Baltimore is suddenly down two more of its important players
1 min read
When the Ravens kick off their 2021 season on Monday night against the Raiders, they won’t be doing so at full health, thanks to not only one but two more serious blows to their starting lineup. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora confirmed Baltimore ended its practice early on Thursday after running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Marcus Peters — arguably two of the team’s most important starters — suffered knee injuries. The initial tests revealed ACL tears which would end their 2021 campaigns before they could even begin.
La Canfora has since confirmed both players have, in fact, suffered ACL tears, meaning they’ll be headed to season-ending injured reserve in due time.
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Edwards, who topped 700 rushing yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, was already filling in for fellow running backs J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill, both of whom suffered season-ending torn ACLs this preseason. His sudden injury leaves the Ravens, one of the league’s top rushing teams, with only reserves Ty’Son Williams and Trenton Cannon in the backfield. Former Steelers standout Le’Veon Bell is the most accomplished option at the club’s disposal, but he just signed to the practice squad this week. Still, coach John Harbaugh said “there’s a chance” Bell could be active as soon as the season opener.
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 set to man one of the starting outside jobs opposite Marlon Humphrey. His four interceptions in 2020 marked his best turnover total since 2017, when he starred for the Chiefs, and his departure leaves backups Anthony Averett, Tavon Young and Jimmy Smith as alternatives at corner.
