Ravens: 5 players who must step up following the DeShon Elliott injury
By Justin Fried
5 and 4. Geno Stone and Ar’Darius Washington, S, Ravens
These two players get grouped together because they are pretty much in the same spot. Both Geno Stone and Ar’Darius Washington are young, developmental defensive backs the Ravens have kept around on their roster.
Both players put together strong summers and earned roster spots despite being on the bubble. And now, both players could be forced to contribute a little on defense.
Stone had played just 12 defensive snaps all season heading into Week 9 but has been a regular contributor on special teams. His role on defense might increase with Elliott sidelined.
A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Stone appeared in two games as a rookie before a brief stint with the Houston Texans late in the year. He returned to Baltimore in the offseason and, at just 22-years-old, could still have some untapped potential.
The same could be true for Washington who was the most high-profile undrafted free agent the Ravens signed this offseason.
Washington has been a healthy scratch in most weeks, but that’s likely to change with Elliott out. The former TCU standout has the versatility to play both at safety and slot cornerback meaning the Ravens might find some use for him.
In reality, Stone and Washington will remain primary reserves. But one more injury could force them into the starting lineup.