What is going on with the Baltimore Ravens?
The first terrible bit of news came in the preseason when running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury.
But that was not even close to all.
Justice Hill, another back on the roster, suffered his own season-ending injury.
That left Gus Edwards as the lead back and Ty’Son Williams as the backup.
Well, Williams now appears to be in a starting role as of Thursday.
The concern for both players — Marcus Peters and Gus Edwards — is a torn ACL, sources say. They both will have tests to confirm. Just terrible. https://t.co/K9GpDU0SI7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2021
Did we also mention that Marcus Peters is likely out for the year as well?
And that both injuries occurred on back-to-back plays?
The Running Back Situation
That leaves the Ravens without their top three backs for the season.
Ravens now have lost RBs Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill in a matter of weeks. https://t.co/tRZGhlIKRD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2021
Williams is only a rookie and is now likely to be backed up by both Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman.
If this were five years ago, that backup duo would be a major bargain.
But in 2021?
The Ravens just have to hope and pray they can get anything out of either.
Lamar Jackson is still under center so the Ravens are not entirely doomed yet.
He is still the focal point on offense, but issues will arise if the actual backs cannot do much.
That allows a defense to pay extra attention to Jackson and shut down what is supposed to be a top rushing attack in the NFL.
Crushing For Peters
Peters signed a three-year extension worth over $40 million back at the end of 2019 and was expected to be a key veteran on this Baltimore defense.
Now he is likely out for the year at the age of 28.
Defensive backs rely on their speed to stay relevant, making this injury absolutely brutal for a veteran like Peters.
The entire defense now has to recalibrate and it makes sense why the Ravens cut practice short following both injuries.
Players may have even refused to keep going not out of superstition, but just because of the emotional toll of it all so close to the start of the season.
So how will this affect the Ravens?
Well, the team lost two starters just a few days before the start of the season.
While Peters’ injury is still awful, the main focus shifts to the offense.
If the Ravens can’t get production out of the backfield, Jackson is doomed.
But perhaps this is a chance for players like Bell and Freeman to get legitimate fresh starts late in their respective careers.
Williams also has a chance to show what he can do, so you know all three of those players are still focused and ready to play.
NEXT: The Ravens Run Game Got More Dangerous With Le'Veon Bell
