Ravens DT Michael Pierce likely has a ‘significant injury’
By Justin Fried
The injuries never seem to stop for the Baltimore Ravens. Despite a much-needed bounce-back win over the New England Patriots in Week 3, the Ravens didn’t come away unscathed.
The team lost the likes of left tackle Patrick Mekari, outside linebacker Justin Houston, and nose tackle Michael Pierce in the first half of Sunday’s game.
Head coach John Harbaugh provided updates on the status of all three players after the game, and while it appears as though Mekari and Houston avoided serious injuries, the same might not be true for Pierce.
Harbaugh indicated that the Ravens would re-evaluate Pierce, who injured his arm, on Monday and that they may have a decision to make on his future. That certainly doesn’t sound encouraging.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec speculated that Pierce had suffered a “significant injury,” saying that Harbaugh’s quote “speaks for itself.” It sounds like the Ravens could be without Pierce for an extended period of time.
Losing Michael Pierce is a major blow to the Ravens’ defensive line
Pierce re-joined the Ravens for his second stint with the organization this offseason after signing a three-year, $16.5 million deal. The former undrafted free agent had spent the last two seasons in Minnesota where he suited up for just eight games with the team.
The Ravens brought Pierce back to serve as an upgrade and replacement over the departed Brandon Williams, and the early signs were encouraging.
Pierce was putting together a strong start to the 2022 season with an elite Pro Football Focus grade of 87.9 that ranked sixth among all qualified interior defensive linemen.
If Pierce is forced to miss a significant period of time, the Ravens might have to lean on young defensive tackle Isaiah Mack who is currently down on the practice squad. Others like Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington might also be forced to pick up some of the slack.
Of course, there’s always the option of reuniting with Brandon Williams who remains a free agent. Expect the Ravens to explore all their options if Pierce did indeed suffer a significant injury.
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Michael Pierce had been one of the Ravens’ best defensive players so far this season. Unfortunately, his return season to Baltimore might have been put on hold for the foreseeable future.