[ad_1]
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens’ horrific string of injuries continued on Thursday when cornerback Marcus Peters and running back Gus Edwards both suffered torn ACLs late in the season, sources said to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Peters initially injured his knee and Edwards was injured a few games later, according to a source. Ravens coach John Harbaugh then ended training, the source added.
With its first game of the season at four days, Baltimore was not training at full speed on Thursday.
Edwards becomes the third Ravens running back to sustain a season-ending injury in 12 days. JK Dobbins tore his ACL in his left knee in the preseason finals on August 28, and Judge Hill injured his Achilles tendon on September 2.
Ty’Son Williams, a year-old practice player who does not have an NFL port, becomes the Ravens fullback. The roster’s other two running backs – Trenton Cannon and Le’Veon Bell (practice squad) – didn’t start training with the Ravens until Wednesday.
Last week, Harbaugh praised the development of Williams, who joined Baltimore as an undrafted rookie from BYU last year.
“He jumped right away last year in practice,” said Harbaugh. “He’s just gotten better and better. So what he is now is what he worked hard to become, and now he’s leaving here. We’ll see what he does. ‘he will do very well. “
The Ravens also sign free-standing running back Devonta Freeman to their training squad, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Schefter on Thursday. Freeman is expected to be promoted to the active roster.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown took to Twitter to wish their injured teammates the best.
Fashoo🖤💜 https://t.co/ecj9bz9P4U
– Lamar Jackson (@ Lj_era8) September 9, 2021
The only remaining backfield player from last year for the Ravens is Pro Bowl back Patrick Ricard, who had less than 1 rushing yard last season.
The Ravens have had the most dominant rushing offense in the NFL, leading the league in rushing over the past two seasons. Baltimore were the only team to call up designed runs more than 50 percent of the time, but injuries took their toll on what was considered a deep backfield.
Dobbins and Edwards totaled 1,528 rushing yards last season, which was 81% of Baltimore’s running backs production. Edwards signed a three-year, $ 12.38 million contract in June, which included $ 8 million in guaranteed money.
The loss of Peters, 28, would be the most important injury for the defense this year. The Ravens have depth at the cornerback, but it will be difficult to replace Peters’ playing ability. His 31 interceptions have led the NFL since entering the league in 2015.
Since Peters was traded to Baltimore in Week 9 of 2019, the Ravens have allowed the fewest yards per pass attempt (6.1) and tied for second few touchdown passes allowed (31), according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Hours before Thursday’s practice, Peters told reporters how playing for the Ravens made him happy for the game.
“It was just good here,” said Peters. “All of the guys were young and upbeat, but were ready and determined to work hard to win a Super Bowl here.… I enjoyed coming to work. I just love being in Baltimore.”
Anthony Averett, a 2018 fourth-round pick, is reportedly a candidate to replace Peters and start against Marlon Humphrey.
The Ravens open the season to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
[ad_2]
Source link