The Baltimore Ravens saw the emotional, long-awaited return of Nick Boyle to the field this past Sunday. For Boyle, it was the culmination of a year-long journey that saw him battle daily struggles and contemplate his football future.
Boyle suffered a gruesome knee injury in November of 2020, one that sidelined him for over a year. The veteran tight end detailed the exact extent of the injury when speaking to reporters this week.
Boyle explained that he had torn his hamstring (straight off the bone, by his own admission), meniscus, PCL, MCL, and had a small fracture. Although his ACL was spared, his entire knee was completely “blown out.”
Coming back from such an injury takes a toll on anyone, both from a physical and mental perspective. And Boyle explained that in that same conversation with reporters.
"“When you get injured like this, you fight daily battles with yourself when you’re not feeling good yet. You always think to yourself, ‘Am I going to be the player I was before?’ That goes through your head daily, and you’ve got to really erase that, and just go to work and work every single day.”"
The Ravens are sure happy to have Nick Boyle back on the gridiron
Boyle received a pretty hefty workload in his first game back. The 28-year-old played 40 percent of offensive snaps and received the start, reassuming his role as the team’s top blocking tight end.
Although he was clearly still shaking off the rust from such an extended absence, his return could provide a major boost to a Ravens ground game that has struggled mightily this season.
That’s if he could return to the same caliber of player he was prior to his injury, of course.
The Ravens lost their top three running backs before the season started with the likes of J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill all going down to season-ending injuries.
In their absence, players like Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, and Ty’Son Williams have been called on to replace them. The results have been less than stellar.
But part of their struggles could also be credited to a banged-up offensive line and Boyle’s absence. Now with Boyle back in the fold, the running game could show signs of improvement.
Nick Boyle’s return is the apotheosis of a year of hard work and determination. And the Ravens couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s back.