"The torn labrum has not responded to the medication, and the other injury is a season-ender. He's done."
Boller's teammates were saddened by the news.
"It's unfortunate it had to happen this early in the season," said tight end Todd Heap, one of Boller's closest friends on the team.
"He never got a chance to really get out on the field and do what he can do."
If Boller has thrown his last pass for the Ravens, the exit would be as painful as the memories.
Known for his arm strength and athleticism, Boller often showed flashes of turning the corner before stumbling because of a lack of poise. In 52 career games, he has lost 19 fumbles and thrown 44 interceptions.
But he remained a consummate professional, never lashing back at fans or pointing fingers at poor pass protection. No one could ever question Boller's toughness after watching him withstand some violent hits.
Boller has a 20-22 record as a starter (which includes no playoff starts) and has completed 56.9 percent of his passes for a franchise-record 7,846 yards in his career. He will be forever linked to former coach Brian Billick, one of his most ardent supporters.
"I don't know. I don't make those decisions anymore," Billick said about Boller's future in Baltimore. "It's been a tough road for Kyle.
"I was quite appreciative and - quite frankly - surprised when we were able to extend Kyle's contract and that he accepted that and wanted to do that. Conventional wisdom says maybe he wanted to go somewhere else given what has happened in Baltimore. I was very appreciative, and I think it speaks to Baltimore that it meant enough for him to stay. Whether that is going to be his future going forward, that's up to him and the Ravens to decide."
Said Newsome, "He worked his butt off during the offseason program and was having his best training camp in my mind.
"To say Kyle and I are disappointed that he isn't able to play is probably an understatement."
The Ravens signed journeyman Todd Bouman to fill Boller's roster spot. Bouman, 36, who has played for five NFL teams in his 11 previous seasons, will be Flacco's backup in the season opener.
He hasn't thrown a pass in a regular-season game since 2005.
"I've been through this before," said Bouman, who was selected over free agents Joey Harrington and Chris Simms. "You just accept your role whatever it might be, whatever they ask me to do. You're one play away and have to prepare like you're going to be the starter. You've got to be ready. If you're not, then you're foolish."
