CINCINNATI – Raekwon Davis wouldn’t give in.
The Bengals’ offensive line went a little too far with their blocks during a pass-rushing drill, and Davis jumped into the fray, voicing his displeasure loudly, albeit with a smile.
Davis was clearly happy to be on the field in a Colts uniform. He spent far too much time watching.
Davis reported for training camp in July, began his medical examination and suddenly had to take a break.
Davis’ blood pressure was too high.
News from the Colts: Colts activate Raekwon Davis from the injured list, giving the D-Line much-needed depth
“I’m so grateful to (director of sports medicine Erin Barill), (head athletic trainer Dave Hammer) and (head athletic trainer Kyle Davis) for just saying this is the kind of problem that needs to be recognized,” Davis said. “Because we’ve said so much about high blood pressure, heart attacks and things like that. It’s great that they recognized that.”
Davis did not provide any further information about the causes of his high blood pressure and indicated that he had struggled with a similar problem before.
But that was frustrating.
Davis was the Colts’ biggest free agent signing of the offseason. The former second-round pick and starter signed a two-year deal worth $7 million guaranteed and up to $14 million total. He is expected to finally give Indianapolis some consistent depth at the defensive tackle position behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Instead of hitting the ground running with his new team, Davis spent nearly a month sitting on the sidelines, training on an exercise bike.
“I’ve had my ups and downs,” Davis said. “But I’ve handled it well. I’ve just stayed patient and done what Hammer and the others said just to get back here.”
Observations in Colts camp: Richardson’s attack goes from terrible to sharp against the Bengals
Observations in Colts camp: Defense holds Joe Burrow, Bengals offense scoreless
Colts doctors declared Davis healthy on Monday.
Just in time for the experienced defensive tackle to participate in a joint practice against Cincinnati, the last practice of the training camp.
“We’re going to slowly ease him back in,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. “We have a plan for him. We’ll monitor him, but we’re definitely excited to have him back.”
However, it looks like Davis is only limited by the number of snaps.
The huge defensive tackle participated in every portion of practice, taking multiple snaps in 11-on-11 alongside second-year tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore.
The Colts desperately need Davis’ presence. When Indianapolis lost Stewart to a six-game suspension last season, the Colts tried both Taven Bryan and Eric Johnson at nose tackle, which hurt the run defense.
Davis, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound player, is the type of player who can somewhat fill Stewart’s oversized shoes.
“Raekwon is a force,” said linebacker EJ Speed. “He doesn’t move.”
Davis is also a huge bundle of energy on defense, talking to teammates and opponents alike. Over the last week or so, his personality has been evident in the locker room and on the practice field, where he has been cracking jokes with everyone in sight.
As Adebawore played an impressive game in preseason action on Saturday night, Davis was at his locker, practicing with the young player while fielding interview requests.
Despite his high blood pressure, Davis has gotten to know his teammates, attending meetings and participating in walk-throughs.
His other teammates were happy to see Davis back on the field.
“I was gone for a minute,” Davis said. “They’re happy for me.”
Indianapolis could slowly work Davis in, but he probably won’t play a big role as a rotational defensive tackle in the regular season anyway. From his perspective, he’s put the blood pressure issue behind him.
“I’m ready to go,” Davis said.
Ready to take on any offensive lineman that stands in his way.
Raekwon Davis Statistics
Davis started 48 of his 63 games with the Dolphins. He made 129 tackles with 2.0 sacks and 10 quarterback hits.
Raekwon Davis contract
The Alabama product, who has been playing professionally for five years, signed a two-year, $14 million deal to serve as the backup nose tackle for Grover Stewart, a contract the Colts also extended in the offseason.
Raekwon Davis Height, Weight
Davis is 6’6″ tall and weighs 325 pounds. He was the heaviest defensive player at least 6’6″ tall in the NFL last season.
Raekwon Davis injured
The Colts announced on July 25 that Raekwon Davis was on the non-football list due to high blood pressure. On Thursday, Colts coach Shane Steichen was asked if Davis would miss the regular season: “I hope not. He’s making good progress, so hopefully he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
