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When the Ravens kick off their 2021 season on Monday night against the Raiders, they won’t do so in full health, thanks not just to one, but two more serious blows to their starting lineup. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Baltimore finished training early Thursday after running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Marcus Peters – arguably two of the team’s most important starters – sustained knee injuries in back-to-back games. Initial tests revealed probable ACL tears, according to CBS Sports Insider Jason La Canfora, which would end their 2021 campaigns before they could even begin.
Edwards, who passed 700 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, was already replacing fellow running backs JK Dobbins and Justice Hill, both of whom suffered ripped ACLs late in the season this pre- season. His sudden injury leaves the Ravens, one of the best racing teams in the league, with only reserves Ty’Son Williams and Trenton Cannon in the backfield. Former Steelers Star Le’Veon Bell is the most successful option available to the club, but he just signed for the training squad this week. Still, coach John Harbaugh said “there’s a chance” Bell will be active early in the season.
Peters, meanwhile, is one of the Ravens’ most established defenders. The 28-year-old former defensive rookie of the year is a four-time All-Pro who was scheduled to fill one of the starting outside positions against Marlon Humphrey. His four interceptions in 2020 marked his best total in turnover since 2017, when he played for the Chiefs, and his departure leaves substitutes Anthony Averett, Tavon Young and Jimmy Smith as alternatives at the corner.
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