OWINGS MILLS (Md. Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh attributed the team's recent season-ending injuries and illness to bad luck.
On Thursday, Gus Edwards, running back, and Marcus Peters, cornerback, tore their ACLs. They did not make contact with any of their teammates. This is a continuation of Baltimore's terrible record for injuries. Both were placed on injured reserve.
Edwards, who was just replacing J.K. Dobbins in the starting running back position, was hurt when he made a left-to right cut and landed incorrectly on his ankle.
Harbaugh stated that the weight ended up on Harbaugh's knee before Friday's practice. It was a fluke deal.
Peters, a three time Pro Bowl cornerback was injured while changing direction.
Harbaugh stated that "he was kind of pivoting onto a basic turn he makes dozens upon dozens of practices."
Harbaugh discredited the idea that the Ravens' playing surface was a factor. In a span of seven days, the Ravens suffered three season-ending injuries at the facility -- Justice Hill (Achilles), Edwards, and Peters -- all within seven days.
"The grass?" Harbaugh stated, "I don't believe so." "I don’t believe so."
Ronnie Stanley, an offensive tackle, described the atmosphere as "depressing" after Edwards and Peters were both injured. The players spent the remainder of the day reflecting.
Stanley said that the team felt renewed energy Friday after Ravens' leadership council met. They discussed playing "in memoriam" of injured players.
Harbaugh stated, "I think you grieve for a day and we fight today." "We have a great team with a lot of talented players. We can move forward. We can move fast.
Ravens are trying to get over a string of injuries. Baltimore lost five players during a 19-day stretch. Dobbins, Hill and Edwards were running backs.
Stanley stated that he hopes that teams don't underestimate the Ravens who reached the playoffs three consecutive seasons.
Stanley stated, "Guys can think whatever they want." "The Ravens will be the Ravens. We are going to rise up."
