Louis Riddick believes it's now that Marcus Peters and Gus Edwards have to be rehabilitated after they are both feared to have broken an ACL. (1:44).
OWINGS MILLS (Md. Sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Baltimore Ravens continued their terrible run of injuries, with cornerback Marcus Peters and runningback Gus Edwards suffering season-ending ACL tears in practice.
According to a source, Peters was first hurt in the knee and Edwards sustained an injury a few plays later. The source said that John Harbaugh, Ravens coach, called an end of practice.
Baltimore was not practicing in full pads on Thursday, as its season opener is just four days away.
Ravens' Rushing Options The Ravens are now without J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. They also have two veterans on their practice squad, but they don't have any NFL rushing experience. Rush Yards Ty'Son Williams, RB 0 Trenton Cannon, RB 146 Le'Veon Bell, RB* 6,453 Devonta Freeman, RB** 4,144 Patrick Ricard, FB -1 * On practice squad
** Joining practice squad, per agent
--ESPN Stats & Information
Edwards is the third Ravens running back to sustain a season-ending injury within 12 days. Justice Hill sustained an Achilles tendon injury Sept. 2 and J.K. Dobbins tore his left ACL in the preseason finale Aug. 28.
Ty'Son Williams (a practice player from last year who does not have an NFL carry) is now the Ravens' leading back. Trenton Cannon (practice squad) and Le'Veon BELL (running backs) began practicing with the Ravens on Wednesday.
John Harbaugh, Ravens coach, praised Williams' development last week. Williams was an undrafted rookie from BYU and joined Baltimore as a Ravens rookie.
Harbaugh stated last week that "he jumped out right away last season in practices." He just kept getting better. He is now what he has worked so hard to be, and he will continue his journey. We will see what he does. He's going to be a great success, I believe."
Drew Rosenhaus, Drew Rosenhaus' agent, stated to Schefter that the Ravens will also be signing Devonta Freeman, a free-agent runningback, to their practice team on Thursday. Freeman is likely to be promoted to the active roster.
Ravens wide receiver Marquise Hollywood Brown and quarterback Lamar Jackson took to Twitter to send their best wishes to their injured colleagues.
Patrick Ricard, a Pro Bowl fullback who ran minus-1 yards last season, is the only remaining player from last year's Ravens backfield.
Since the start of the NFL's second season, the Ravens have been the most dominant ground attack in the NFL. They lead the league in rushes. Baltimore was the only team that called designed runs more than 50% of the time. However, injuries have taken a toll upon what was once a deep backfield.
Dobbins and Edwards combined for 1,528 yards of rushing last year, which was 81% of Baltimore's running backs output. Edwards signed a $32.38 million, three-year deal in June with $8 million guaranteed money.
Peters' departure would be the biggest injury to the defense this season. Although the Ravens have depth at cornerback and will struggle to replace Peters' playmaking abilities, it is clear that they are able to provide some support. Since he joined the NFL in 2015, his 31 interceptions lead the NFL.
The Ravens traded Peters to Baltimore in Week 9, 2019, and have allowed the least yards per pass attempt (6.1), while also allowing the second-fewest touchdown passes (31), according ESPN Stats & Information research.
Peters spoke out to reporters a few hours before practice began on Thursday. He said that playing with the Ravens gave him joy.
Peters stated, "It just felt great here." "All the guys were young and positive, but they were also willing to work hard to win here a Super Bowl. ... I have been enjoying coming to work. I just like being in Baltimore."
Anthony Averett was a fourth-round selection in 2018 and would be a candidate for Peters' replacement and start opposite Marlon Huffrey.
The Ravens will open the season against the Las Vegas Raiders Monday Night Football.
