Jared Gaither's year of ailments added another chapter Saturday, when Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh revealed the offensive tackle has a back injury that will sideline him for at least two weeks.
However, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that Gaither is unlikely to play again this preseason.
According to Harbaugh, Gaither visited a doctor in California and found out he has "a very small tear" in his back.
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The Ravens released veteran long snapper Matt Katula on Saturday, opting to go with an undrafted rookie who handled the duties during the preseason opener. **More ...**
"I don't know the medical term for it, (but) it's not a serious thing," Harbaugh said. "But it's going to keep him out for a couple weeks until it settles down, because it's causing the spasms, apparently. So, he's going to have to work as hard as he can, and we'll have to try to work it out. I wouldn't hold my breath for about two weeks, three weeks through camp here, and we'll see where we're at at that point."
Gaither feared he might require surgery, but that isn't the case, according to La Canfora. Instead, Gaither is expected to rest and rehabilitate his back throughout the preseason.
Gaither, who hasn't practiced since Aug. 5, has had trouble staying on the field this offseason and in training camp. He missed part of a May minicamp because of a foot and toe problem, and he left the field during training camp last month with what appeared to be a back injury but ended up being cramps.
Oniel Cousins, who started at right tackle during Thursday night's preseason-opening victory over the Carolina Panthers, likely will remain the starter while Gaither is out, *The Baltimore Sun* reported.
Gaither, who was moved from left tackle to right tackle this offseason, had been seeking a trade or a new contract. Second-year pro Michael Oher has taken over at left tackle in Baltimore.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
