OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Quarterback Joe Flacco believes he will be under center when the Baltimore Ravens begin training camp on July 28.
Flacco, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in November, is the only NFL starting quarterback to miss all of the offseason practices.
"I expect to be on the field for the first day," Flacco said Thursday as the Ravens completed their mandatory minicamp.
This is the first time since Flacco tore two ligaments in his left knee that he has given a timetable. Ravens officials have repeatedly expressed optimism that Flacco was going to be ready for the start of camp.
The final decision on whether Flacco will be allowed to practice at that time will fall on the doctors.
"If he's ready to go, nobody will be happier than me, maybe besides Joe and the receivers," coach John Harbaugh said. "If he's ready to go, great. If he's not, there will be some sort of process with that."
Flacco underwent surgery to repair the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in late December, and he hasn't suffered any setbacks.
"When I'm working out on it, it feels great and when I'm running on it, it feels great," Flacco said. "I'm kind of curious as training camp goes along, 'Am I going to have sore days?' But I expect to be out there and ready to go."