Ravens ILB Jameel McClain's latest neck MRI increased optimism that he can resume his career.

Ravens placed ILB Jameel McClain (neck) on the reserve/PUP list.

Speaking Tuesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said ILB Jameel McClain is expected to begin the season on the reserve/PUP list.

Harabugh is confident McClain will "eventually" be cleared, but it's possible he doesn't take the field this season. Right now, Josh Bynes is penciled in opposite Daryl Smith at inside linebacker.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain agreed to a pay cut, slashing his 2013 salary from $3 million to $1.5 million.

McClain, 28, is still working his way back from a spinal cord contusion, and he remains on the active/PUP. He may not be cleared to play at all this season, which necessitated the salary slash. Daryl Smith and Albert McClellan are penciled in as the Ravens' starting inside linebackers.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain's (spinal cord contusion) health status remains "cloudy" and he is considered "out indefinitely."

"Doctors had anticipated he would be out there at this time," coach John Harbaugh conceded. "It's a little slower than we had hoped." This is why the Ravens signed Daryl Smith. McClain now seems questionable for Week 1.

Ravens placed ILB Jameel McClain (neck, back) on active/PUP.

McClain had hoped to receive medical clearance to open camp, but did not. He's struggled to return from a spinal chord contusion suffered last December against the Redskins. McClain is expected to be a starter when healthy, but for now Arthur Brown and Daryl Smith may be better bets for the first-team defense.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain (neck, back) remains optimistic that he'll gain full medical clearance for the start of training camp.

McClain suffered a spine injury last December, but managed to avoid surgery and hasn't had any setbacks. He was a limited participant during OTAs and is on track to be ready when camps open on July 21. McClain will immediately regain his starting job at inside linebacker upon his return.

Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees says LB Jameel McClain will regain his starting spot once medically cleared.

McCalin suffered a spine injury last December, temporarily putting his football future in doubt. The injury didn't require surgery and McClain has been able to work out without restrictions. Once cleared, he's projected to start next to rookie Arthur Brown at inside linebacker. With the departure of Dannell Ellerbe and the retirement of Ray Lewis, McClain will be counted on for a big role in the Ravens defense.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain (neck, back) has no restrictions on his exercise regimen.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain (neck/back) could "possibly" be ready for training camp.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain (neck/back) is unlikely to need surgery.

McClain's injury is "resolving itself." It's great news after he suffered a scary spinal cord contusion in Week 14 and was quickly ruled out for the season. The Ravens are counting on McClain to step in as a starting inside linebacker with Ray Lewis retired.

Ravens LB Jameel McClain's (spinal cord contusion) outlook to resume playing football in 2013 is "positive."

"All is progressing well with Jameel," one source told The Baltimore Sun. "The injury requires rest." At his end-of-the-season presser, coach John Harbaugh said the organization was "very optimistic" about McClain returning, and the linebacker appears to still be on that track. McClain proved to be an above-average pass rusher before going on injured reserve in Week 15.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh is "very optimistic" about ILB Jameel McClain's (spinal cord contusion) outlook.

"We're still looking at Jameel," Harbaugh said. "I'm very optimistic based on what GM Ozzie (Newsome) shared with us. We're very optimistic about that." McClain has insisted he'll be ready for OTAs and minicamp, and it sounds like his employer agrees. With Ray Lewis officially retired, McClain's health will be of great importance for the Ravens heading into 2013.

Jameel McClain (back, injured reserve) has still not been cleared for contact.

McClain was lost for the season when he sustained a spinal contusion in Week 14. He insists he'll be ready for OTAs and minicamp. "I'm good. I can tackle somebody right now if you ask me. But the doctors do what the doctors do and I just wait," he said. McClain would have been the Ravens' third inside linebacker behind Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe if he were healthy.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain is done for the rest of the season with a spinal contusion.

McClain suffered the injury in Week 14 and experienced swelling in his spine, so the Ravens are shutting him down. A 13-game starter this season, McClain racked up 79 tackles. He's under contract with a $3 million salary in 2013.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain has been ruled out for Week 15 with a "significant neck injury."

McClain suffered the injury in Sunday's loss, and has experienced swelling. "We're going to do some more tests and things like that just to see down the road where he'll be," coach John Harbaugh said. Although Ray Lewis (triceps) is eligible to return this week, it will likely be either Albert McClellan or Josh Bynes who fills in for McClain.

Ravens ILB Jameel McClain left Sunday's Week 14 loss to the Redskins with a neck injury.

Ray Lewis can't get back soon enough. McClain was reportedly "in serious pain and dealing with swelling." He's headed for a Monday MRI. Meanwhile, Dannell Ellerbe (foot) has missed the last two games, leaving Josh Bynes as the last man standing.

Dannell Ellerbe and Jameel McClain will step in for Ray Lewis (triceps) at middle linebacker.

In the four games Lewis missed last year, Ellerbe averaged 3.6 tackles while McClain stepped up with 8.5 per game. They'll rotate, but IDP owners now desperate for linebacker help can get some cheap tackles out of McClain. "Those guys have played a lot of football and we've got a lot of confidence in those guys, Jameel and Dannell," coach John Harbaugh said. "We feel good about that."

Ravens re-signed ILB Jameel McClain.

McClain, who turns 27 before the season, was welcomed to a soft free agent market, but should retain his starting job in Baltimore. McClain started all 16 games at weak-side linebacker last season. He rotates out too often to be a significant IDP asset, finishing the year with 84 tackles, one sack, and a pick. Pro Football Focus did grade McClain as a solid run stopper.

After taking just one free agent visit in the past eight days, ILB Jameel McClain now hopes to re-sign with the Ravens.

McClain made one trip to Denver, but left without a contract and is no longer on the Broncos' radar after they re-signed Joe Mays. "I'm staying patient," said McClain, 26. "I'm waiting for the perfect move at the perfect time."