Had a chance to catch up with Jason Babin on Sunday.The defensive end has been out since late July with a calf strain that was expected to sideline him for 2-3 weeks. We are now in that window, and it sounds like Babin is getting close to a return.
“I know when I’m 100 percent. I’m pretty in-tune with my body. Keep this progress up and I’m sure it will be sooner than later,” said Babin, his calf wrapped in an ice pack as he climbed into his truck.
“It’s getting better every day. It’s one of those injuries where, from what [head trainer Rick] Burkholder tells me, it’s not something you want to rush back. Stick to the plan and see it through.”
And does the plan have you back before the season opener against the Browns?
“It’ll be in plenty of time. You know me, I’m always pushing them, so I’m sure I’ll practice sooner than later,” he said.
Babin has been taking part in the morning walkthroughs of late but works off to the side with the rest of the injured players during the afternoon sessions. With he and Trent Cole (shoulder) both dinged this summer, the rest of the defensive ends have had an opportunity to get increased snaps, and are making the most of it. It’s getting to a point where you wonder if they can keep all this talent on the roster.
“I always tell the young guys, ‘Listen, make it hard for them. If it’s not here it’s somewhere else.’ I think everyone has a good opportunity to put good things on tape,” said Babin. “With Trent and I being down, it’s really giving the young guys an opportunity to get some P.T. I think everyone is just trying to find the silver lining.”
