The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Jets in Week 1 to start the season 1-0. Regretfully, they did not escape unscathed. Both Kyle Fuller, the cornerback, and offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James suffered what appeared to be horrific injuries and had to leave the game.
After being carted off the field in the second quarter, James was initially deemed unlikely to return, but by halftime, that status had been quickly changed to out. Late in the fourth quarter, Fuller hurt his knee and needed assistance leaving the field. He headed straight for the changing area.
Following the match, head coach John Harbaugh gave the following updates on both players:
The ruptured Achilles tendon is a very painful blow for James. He had the left tackle spot locked down and looked good in preseason action, giving Ronnie Stanley all the time he needed to get in shape for the football season after being out of action since 2019. It’s frightening to suffer an Achilles tear in your career because athletes aren’t always able to heal. It’s undoubtedly not good news to have two consecutive tears on the same leg.
Against the Jets in game one, Fuller looked good. He made some good tackles and didn’t pose a risk to the pass defense after being targeted frequently during his time with the Broncos last season. Fuller was hurt following an Elijah Moore push-off that was ruled offensive pass interference. The CBS broadcast’s announcing team said right away that they weren’t permitted to play the replay.
Though his teammates’ immediate responses to the injury on the field were not encouraging, Harbaugh seemed to maintain hope that Fuller might not miss the entire season.
The Ravens shouldn’t have too few personnel in either position right now. They made sure to step it up this off-season after the offensive line problems of the previous year. It’s not surprising that Patrick Mekari stepped up and played with courage. His primary position in college was left tackle, but he held his own at right tackle last year. In the event that they decide to move Morgan Moses to the left side, they also have rookie Daniel Faalele at right tackle who can fill in. Rather than being hurried out, Ronnie Stanley should still be given time to catch up.
Regarding Fuller, the Ravens have two rookies who can step up and play more snaps if necessary: Jayln Armour-Davis and Damarion Williams. Marcus Peters, who appeared to have a chance to play today before being scratched, is also making a comeback from injury. Ar’Darius Washington, an all-purpose defensive back on the practice squad, can fill in as a nickel, safety, or cornerback in a pinch if Peters isn’t cleared to play the following week.
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