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The Ravens likely won't have linebacker Terrell Suggs for the 2012 season after the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year tore his Achilles' tendon, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. One source told Schefter that Suggs suffered the injury playing basketball, but another source wasn't positive that Suggs tore his Achilles tendon that way. Another source told Schefter that Suggs thinks he could be back in October.

However long Suggs is out, it will be a challenge for the Ravens to replace him. He's the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He's been to five Pro Bowls. He's the franchise's leader in sacks (82.5).

While the initial reaction is to say the Ravens' first-round draft pick, Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, will step into Suggs' spot, he is the replacement for Jarret Johnson. Upshaw is expected to set the edge against the run.

Here are the top candidates to take over for Suggs:

Paul Kruger: He's been looking for a spot in the starting lineup since he was selected in the second round in 2009. Kruger stepped up in the pass rush last season with a career-high 5.5 sacks. At this point, he would be the leading candidate because of his experience.

Sergio Kindle: The Ravens had high expectations for Kindle when they made him their top pick in the 2010 draft. But he fractured his skull after falling down two flights of stairs before his rookie training camp and he's only played two games since. Teams officials have said it's their "mission" to get Kindle on the field in what will be his first full offseason in the NFL.

Michael McAdoo: He is a raw yet intriguing prospect from North Carolina who was ruled ineligible in 2010 for academic fraud. The Ravens signed him to a deal in August 2011 and kept him on injured reserve as a redshirt season. At 6-foot-7, 245 pounds, he is an athletic and rangy pass-rusher who projects to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. His challenge will be to bulk up.

About an hour after defensive end Cory Redding went to the Indianapolis Colts, the Baltimore Ravens took a harder hit when linebacker Jarret Johnson agreed to a four-year deal with the Chargers.

Losing Johnson is a bigger blow than many think because he was the most underrated player on the Ravens' defense. Baltimore will likely try to replace him with Paul Kruger, but I'm not sold on that. Kruger is a pass rusher who will have trouble setting a physical edge against the run.

The original plan was to eventually replace Johnson with Sergio Kindle, the team's top draft pick in 2010. But Kindle fractured his skull when he fell down two flights of stairs before his rookie training camp, and he's never been the same. I believe the Ravens will have to go in free agency to find someone who can do the same things as Johnson.

Never a Pro Bowl player, the 30-year-old Johnson was tough and dependable, playing in 129 straight games — the longest streak in team history and the fourth-longest currently among linebackers. His ability to rush the passer declined the past two seasons, but his impact against the run shouldn't be overlooked.

Johnson is headed to the Chargers now, but he will always be an AFC North-style player.

Free agent officially kicks off at 4 p.m. Tuesday, so let's take a look at the three biggest needs for the Ravens:

1. Interior offensive line: Left guard Ben Grubbs will likely sign elsewhere in free agency, and starting center Matt Birk and backup Andre Gurode are also unrestricted free agents. This is by far the biggest void on the team. The Ravens are expected to bring back Birk and draft their center-in-waiting next month (Wisconsin's Peter Konz is the favorite). But general manager Ozzie Newsome likes to fill major needs before the draft. If Baltimore adds a guard, its track record suggests a veteran one like Steve Hutchinson or Bobbie Williams.

2. Outside linebacker: The Ravens could have trouble re-signing Jarret Johnson, which makes this position a bigger need than many project. Baltimore drafted Sergio Kindle in 2010 to eventually take over for Johnson. But a fractured skull when he fell down two flights of stairs before training camp has made him a non-factor. The Ravens could try to use Paul Kruger at outside linebacker, but he isn't as physical as Johnson in setting the edge against the run. The Bengals' Manny Lawson and the Seahawks' Leroy Hill stand out in a weak free-agent group for outside linebackers.

3. Wide receiver: Baltimore has failed to find a dependable No. 3 wide receiver for Joe Flacco, striking out with T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2010, and Lee Evans in 2011. The Ravens have ruled out going after a top-tier wide receiver, so that presumably takes them out of the running for Reggie Wayne. But they need to add more punch to a wide receiver group that had two players with more than four receptions last season (Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith). The Broncos' Eddie Royal would be a solid addition, because he would fill the role as the No. 3 wide receiver and punt returner (the team would probably like to reduce Lardarius Webb's snaps on special teams). Royal's receptions have dropped off heavily since his 91-catch rookie year in 2008, but that happened to be his final season with quarterback Jay Cutler.

Don't expect Joe Flacco to be Tebowing anytime soon.

The Ravens quarterback publicly complained about how the national spotlight is focused on Tim Tebow and questioned why Baltimore doesn't receive the same attention.

"I like Tim, but you have a tendency to want to -- I don't want to see Tim do bad -- but look what happens after he wins a football game," Flacco told a local radio station in Baltimore, via NFL.com. "If you watched 'SportsCenter' today, it was Tim Tebow then something else, Tim Tebow then something else, and Tim Tebow then something else. When we beat the Steelers, were we on TV? No. I couldn't even find a Baltimore Ravens highlight. I think that's kinda the way it is around Baltimore. We don't always get our respect but you gotta deal with it and go out there every week and just win football games."

This drew a reaction from Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who has taken a shot at Flacco previously. Relaying the news to his followers, Woodley tweeted: "Is it me or does some1 sound jealous? LOL!!"

Flacco could successfully argue that the Ravens have a better record than the Broncos and he is putting up better numbers than Tebow. But the dramatic finishes by Tebow have become a national sensation.

Flacco's comments also come before the Ravens make their fifth prime-time appearance of the season, a Sunday night game at San Diego.

"I just think we're disrespected as an organization when it comes to the media," Flacco said.

The Ravens played a major role in Tebow-mania landing in Denver. Baltimore was the team that traded its 2010 first-round pick to the Broncos, who used the 25th overall pick on Tebow. The Ravens received picks in the second (pass rusher Sergio Kindle), third (tight end Ed Dickson) and fourth rounds (tight end Dennis Pitta).

If you have a question about the AFC North, send it to my mailbag. It's Saturday morning, so let's open up some mail ...

Kevin of Colorado Springs, Colo., writes: Do you think the time is up for Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati? We all know that Mike Brown doesn't help the situation there but it seems that the game has passed by Lewis. He's coaching not to lose when the team gets a lead instead of coaching to win given certain situations. He is too conservative.

Jamison Hensley responds: It's easy to bash Lewis, but winning in Cincinnati would be difficult for any coach in the NFL. Let's not forget that the only two winning seasons in the past 20 years for the Bengals came under Lewis and he was the NFL coach of the year two seasons ago. The only time Lewis was too conservative this year was Week 2 at Denver, where he bypassed a potential game-winning 53-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.

Based on history, Lewis isn't going anywhere this year. He reportedly signed a two-year contract worth $6.5 million after last season. The track record for owner Mike Brown is to let coaches finish out their contracts.

This year, Lewis is in teaching mode at this point with the youngest roster in the AFC (average age of 25.7 years). There's only two players that are over 30, cornerback Nate Clements and safety Chris Crocker. All signs are pointing to Cincinnati finishing in last place in the AFC North. But Lewis will have this young team steadily improving throughout the season.

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Richard of Kittanning, Pa., writes: I have been following the Steelers since 1946. My question: How many of the elite quarterbacks [Tom Brady in particular] could perform as well as Big Ben [Roethlisberger] with our terrible offensive line.

Jamison Hensley responds: The Steelers and Patriots put different priorities on the offensive line. New England's offensive line consists of two first-round picks (left guard Logan Mankins and backup right tackle Nate Solder), two second-rounders (left tackle Matt Light and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer) and a five-time Pro Bowl guard (Brian Waters). The Steelers have selected center Maurkice Pouncey in the first round and right tackle Marcus Gilbert in the second. The rest is mostly patchwork.

A scout once told me that the Steelers don't have to put such an emphasis on the offensive line because of Roethlisberger. He is so big and strong that pass-rushers have trouble bringing him down. You don't have to protect him as much as other quarterbacks. Not sure if I agree with that, but that was one explanation.

To answer your question, it's difficult to say whether Brady wouldn't perform as well. He would certainly enjoy throwing to Mike Wallace. The elite quarterbacks adapt to their surroundings. Peyton Manning excelled for years despite an average offensive line. It's an interesting question but it's one that no one can truly answer.

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T.J. of Clinton, Md., writes: Why hasn't the team used Sergio Kindle yet this season? Do they lack faith because they re-signed Prescott Burgess when they have what seems like a pass rushing linebacker in Kindle ready to bust out. What gives?

Jamison Hensley responds: To be honest, Kindle has exceeded my expectations and he hasn't even played a regular-season game yet. He had a serious head injury last year. He fractured his skull after falling down two flights of stairs. I never thought you would see him play again.

Now, if you told me that Kindle would have played this preseason and the Ravens didn't play him in the regular season, I really wouldn't have believed you. The Ravens drafted Kindle in the second round in 2010 because they need another edge rusher beyond Terrell Suggs. Kindle was supposed to replace another disappointing second-round pick in Paul Kruger.

When reporters asked why Kindle hadn't played in the first three games, coach John Harbaugh said, "If you're not dressing, it's because you're not good enough yet." He added, "The other side of the coin is Sergio is young, he's talented, he works hard and he wants to be a good player. So his challenge is that, when his opportunity comes, he needs to be ready. It could be this week. It could be five weeks. It could be 10 weeks. We really don't know."

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David of Elgin, Okla., writes: What's your take on why the Browns haven't re-signed Peyton Hillis yet? Are they waiting to see if the "Madden Curse" will come true? I don't understand it, he runs for 1,100 plus with 11 scores, leads the team in receptions and batters defenses with his "Smash Mouth" running style! Last time I checked, the Browns are in the AFC North with uber-physical defenses and with Hillis beating them up week in and week out it aids in their ability to win games now and in the future. What do you think?

Jamison Hensley responds: The Browns are in a tough spot with Hillis, and it has nothing to do with curses. The problem is the current financial landscape with running backs. This is a bad time to be dealing with pending free-agent running backs after the new deals for Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson has inflated the market.

The Browns might be reluctant to give big money to Hillis considering he has been the featured back for one full season. There's no doubt that Hillis is a respected workhorse, but he has a limited body of work.

The NFL is a business and Browns officials have to ask themselves: Is Hillis the long-term future of their running game? Or will his physical style lead to a short career? Maybe the Browns are more comfortable working on a year-to-year basis with Hillis. That would mean the franchise tag is in his future.

The 2011 NFL preseason will begin Thursday night with several games, including the Baltimore Ravens of the AFC North against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here are four preseason storylines this weekend:

1. Cleveland Browns unveil new offense, defense against Super Bowl champs

Analysis: Cleveland could not pick a better measuring stick for a preseason opener. The Browns will debut their new West Coast offense and 4-3 defense against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is the NFL's top preseason team, according to ESPN.com's Power Rankings. Many eyes will be on Cleveland second-year quarterback Colt McCoy. The 2011 season is huge for McCoy to prove he's the future of the franchise. His season-long journey starts Saturday at Browns Stadium.

2. Andy Dalton era begins for Cincinnati Bengals

Analysis: Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis made Carson Palmer wait a full season to make his first NFL start. But Lewis believes his team is ready to be led by a rookie quarterback in 2011. Second-round pick Andy Dalton will get his first career start for the Bengals Friday against the Detroit Lions. Lewis said the young offense will play longer than expected for a preseason opener.

3. Baltimore Ravens LB Sergio Kindle makes debut

Analysis: Kindle was Baltimore's prized draft pick in 2010. But a fractured skull last summer ended his rookie season. Kindle will make his debut one year later against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Ravens hope Kindle stays healthy and improves their pass rush. Baltimore had just 27 sacks in 16 games last season.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers evaluate young players

Analysis: The reigning AFC champions do not have anything to prove in the preseason. Pittsburgh's opener is more for evaluating young players. The Steelers took advantage of the preseason last year. They gave plenty of reps to inexperienced players Ziggy Hood, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. By midseason, this trio contributed to Pittsburgh's Super Bowl run. This year the Steelers want extended looks at rookies such as defensive end Cameron Heyward, offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert and cornerback Curtis Brown to see if they can eventually earn spots in the rotation.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle will make his NFL debut Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Morning take: Not many players suffer the kind of head injury Kindle had. This has the potential of a great bounce-back story if Kindle can stay healthy and play well in 2011.

• Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward (thumb) returned to practice this week.

Morning take: This is good news for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have suffered injuries at the receiver position and need some healthy returns.

• Cleveland Browns No. 1 receiver Mohamed Massaquoi is suffering from a bone injury in his left leg, according to head coach Pat Shurmur.

Morning take: This brings up two questions: Will Massaquoi be ready for the regular-season opener and, if not, why won't the Browns get quarterback Colt McCoy some help.

• Michael Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals is getting a new beginning at defensive end.

Morning take: Cincinnati played Johnson out of position last season at outside linebacker. He's already making plays and looking more comfortable this summer as a starting defensive end.

Here are the most interesting stories Friday in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle completed his first NFL practice after fracturing his skull last summer.

Morning take: It's great to see Kindle healthy and making progress. No one knows how he will react long term to constant contact. But the Ravens are taking all precautions to give Kindle a chance to resume his career.

• The Cleveland Browns made their first significant signing of free agency: former Green Bay Packers tailback Brandon Jackson.

Morning take: It's somewhat surprising the Browns' first major signing is a backup running back. But Cleveland needs insurance since Peyton Hillis is on the cover of "Madden NFL 12." Ok, that was a joke (sort of).

• The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't ruling out a possible return for offensive tackle Max Starks.

Morning take: Pittsburgh cut Starks in a business move, but chances are the Steelers will lose him. Plenty of teams have money to spend and could use an experienced left tackle.

• After trading veteran receiver Chad Ochocinco to the New England Patriots, the Cincinnati Bengals can now start the A.J. Green era.

Morning take: We've been saying for months that the Bengals need to completely start over. It appears the team is finally headed in that direction, with the exception of holding onto quarterback Carson Palmer.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

• The Steelers are set to release starting left tackle Max Starks, according to Alex Marvez of FoxSports.

Morning take: This is a surprising move. Most people pegged Flozell Adams as the first tackle to go, but Starks does have a bigger contract. This is further proof that Pittsburgh has a lot of tough decisions to make to get under the cap.

• Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle (head) will not start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, writes Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun.

Morning take: This is great news for Kindle and the Ravens. Both sides need an early gauge on how much Kindle can handle following a fractured skull last summer, and being cleared will allow that.

• Browns head coach Pat Shurmur doesn't rule out a bid on former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes.

Morning take: We like the idea because it's low risk and high reward. With Jake Delhomme about to be released, the third quarterback spot is wide open.

• Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson tells Carlos Holmes of the Dayton Daily News this will be his breakthrough year.

Morning take: Simpson did well at the end of last season, but Cincinnati still drafted A.J. Green to start ahead of him. If Chad Ochocinco stays, Simpson may have to fight for playing time.

The AFC North blog continues its "Hope and Concern" series Tuesday by taking a look at the pass rush of the Baltimore Ravens.

Biggest reason for hope: increased aggressiveness

New Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano believes he has the answer to Baltimore's pass-rushing woes. According to Pagano, increased aggression should up Baltimore's sack numbers. The Ravens recorded just 27 sacks last season in 16 games, which was ranked No. 27 in the league. Too often the Ravens didn't seem sure when to bring additional pressure and when to stay back in coverage. Former defensive coordinator Greg Mattison bolted for the University of Michigan, opening the door for Pagano to implement a more aggressive style. Drafting cornerback Jimmy Smith in the first round is a strong sign Baltimore plans to put more trust in its cornerbacks this season while bringing extra rushers.

Biggest reason for concern: personnel

With the exception of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens simply do not have the personnel to get to the quarterback. The two most natural pass rushers on the roster are Suggs and 2010 top draft pick Sergio Kindle, who fractured his skull last summer and whose status remains in question. Anything Baltimore gets from Kindle this season should be considered a bonus. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (5.5 sacks) has pass-rushing ability, but that's far down the line of things he's asked to do. Linebacker Jarret Johnson, whose stats dropped to just 1.5 sacks last season, is a player who gets to the quarterback on sheer will. The Ravens may look to free agency to find a proven pass rusher. But there are not many answers on the open market, because teams do not let go of those type of players.

Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco is working out with former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
• Can linebacker Sergio Kindle get to the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens?
• Here is more from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley's recent visit with the NFL Network.
• Here is a recap of this week's chat on the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the AFC North division.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Sergio Kindle says he is cleared and ready to return to football.

Morning take: Optimism is running high with Kindle lately, which is a good thing. The Ravens need help with their pass rush. There is certaintly a spot open for what Kindle potentially offers.

• According to Pro Football Focus, Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth was second in the NFL is pass-blocking efficiency.

Morning take: Whitworth is one of the league's most underrated players. Will he make Tuesday's Power Rankings or continue to be underrated? Find out later today.

• Is Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester better than Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger?

Morning take: According to the NFL Network's survey of players, Hester is better. There have been some questionable placements, and this is one of them.

• Does Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy need more than the 2011 season to prove himself?

Morning take: Ideally, yes, a young quarterback needs time to grow with a team. But McCoy likely gets only the 2011 season and half of last season to prove he's the long-term solution.

The Baltimore Ravens were ecstatic last year when they traded out of the first round and still landed former Texas linebacker/defensive end Sergio Kindle with their top pick in the second round. Baltimore believed it finally found another outside pass rusher to pair with Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs.

But those hopes came to an abrupt end last summer when Kindle fell down two flights of stairs and fractured his skull, which ended his 2010 season before training camp began. Kindle's career also was in doubt. But one year later the Ravens are pleased with his progress and believe he is on the road to recovery.

There have been no official announcement that Kindle has been medically cleared, but recent reports out of Baltimore suggests it could happen soon. Head injuries are serious and the Ravens have taken careful precaution.

Kindle could bring a number of things to Baltimore's defense when healthy. College scouting reports described Kindle as a player with great closing speed and flexibility, which helped him get 16 sacks as a junior and senior at Texas. Kindle also can stand up as a linebacker and put his hand in the ground as a defensive end, which fits well in Baltimore's varying defenses.

With a serious head injury and a year away from football, Kindle has to shake off the rust and earn a role with the team in training camp and preseason. Baltimore likely would be very happy if Kindle develops into a viable pass rusher off the bench on third-down in what is essentially his rookie year. If the Ravens get more out of Kindle, it would be considered a bonus.

But getting back on the field and healthy again in 2011 should be Kindle's biggest priorities.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

• The Baltimore Ravens are optimistic former second-round pick Sergio Kindle will play football again.

Morning take: The Ravens could use Kindle's ability to rush the passer next season. But Baltimore rightfully is taking every precaution. Head injuries are very serious, and Kindle needs to be 100 percent before returning.

• Early odds peg Cincinnati Bengals receiver A.J. Green as one of the top candidates for rookie of the year.

Morning take: Green certainly has the talent, but a lot will depend on the development of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. If Dalton struggles as the starter and can't get Green the football next season, Green can't put up big numbers.

• Will Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon move back to guard?

Morning take: With Flozell Adams and new draft pick Marcus Gilbert both at right tackle, Colon likely will play inside. Colon did a decent job at right tackle in the past, but that was out of necessity.

• Can Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Jordan Cameron make a name for himself in the NFL?

Morning take: Chances are it won't happen in his rookie year. Cameron has more basketball experience than football experience and will develop behind starting tight end Ben Watson and backup Evan Moore next season.

Everyone in our community is excited following the conclusion of the 2011 NFL draft.

On paper, all four teams did well. But we won't know for sure until these rookies hit the field.

With that said, here are some interesting comments from AFC North blog readers following the 2010 NFL draft.

Enjoy.

Cleveland Browns

• "Somebody tell me why I should like this T.J. Ward pick? Don't get it. I know we need a safety, but who is this guy?"
• "I liked Taylor Mays a lot better. He's much bigger and much faster. Probably the best all-around athlete in the draft. You can't teach size or speed, but you can teach a kid how to cover better and how to tackle better. Mays' ceiling is infinite, while Ward's is not."
• "Love this pick. Montario Hardesty runs mean and nasty like Jamal Lewis did. Very solid back, better than Jahvid Best."

Pittsburgh Steelers

• "I knew Kyle Wilson was the real deal. He jumps off the screen the way he attacks and plays downhill all the time. I'm still irked he's not gonna be wearing black and gold. Maurkice Pouncey will be good, I hope. Because if he isn't, I'll be ticked if Wilson is as good as advertised."
• "I was just doing some research, and Jonathan Dwyer in the sixth round? What an unbelievable steal."
• "Essentially by trading a fifth-round pick for Bryant McFadden and Arizona's sixth-rounder, which was used for Jonathan Dwyer, the Steelers traded Santonio Holmes for McFadden and Dwyer. I love it."

Cincinnati Bengals

• "Jordan Shipley won't contribute immediately. I keep harping on this, but we're gonna see how much we really missed here with Eric Decker."
• "I'll say this and then I have to go: Brandon Ghee will be a star for the Bengals."
• "The Cincinnati Bengals now have the deepest receiving corps in the league by far."
• "I don't know who your team is but they can't beat the Bengals' receiving corps. Maybe when they make cuts in training camp your team can pickup Bengals' scraps."

Baltimore Ravens

• "Sergio Kindle will start in more Pro Bowls than Tim Tebow will start regular-season games."
• "The only beef I have with the Browns' draft is passing on Sergio Kindle in favor of T.J. Ward. This one will come back to bite 'em. They could have taken Ward later on. Kindle is going to be a force and Ozzie Newsome will be dubbed a genius the way he has handled the draft over the years."
• "Kindle and Terrell Suggs rushing from either side while Haloti Ngata and Terrence Cody clog up the middle. It's gonna be nice."
• "I think our division had the best draft of all divisions and the competition in our division will once again be great. The Ravens look like they will win the division and I am going to say the Browns will surprise some people this year. Depending on how long Ben Roethlisberger's suspension turns out to be either 4 or 6 games, Pitt might be third or maybe last in the division this year."

Remember last year?