The Baltimore Ravens shut down the Cleveland Browns in their Week 2 matchup, showcasing an outstanding offensive attack and suffocating defense. Offensively, Lamar Jackson threw for four touchdowns and made several big-time throws, setting the record for all-time passer rating along the way. Defensively, the unit forced two turnovers and played a complete game. However, one aspect of the team struggled significantly.
The running game was held to a standstill on Sunday. Derrick Henry rushed for just 23 yards on 11 carries, Jackson only had two carries for 13 yards, and Justice Hill was a non-factor with seven yards.
They still dominated Cleveland, but it was alarming to see the usual elite rushing attack fail to find success. A leading factor for those struggles? The absence of fullback Patrick Ricard. The five-time Pro Bowler has been out of action with a lingering calf injury since August 14.
On Monday, following the win, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an unsettling update regarding the 31-year-old’s recovery progress.
“I’m not sure what you want to call it, but [his recovery] hasn’t been as quick as we thought,” Harbaugh said. “It’s been slower than we hoped, and we’re kind of in that week-to-week mode with Pat right now.”
Ravens dealt unsettling injury update on key starter as season's toughest stretch looms
Ricard has long been the backbone of the Ravens’ running game. While they commanded the game in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, they were unable to replicate their early success late in the game. In Week 2, they failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards.
Baltimore’s offensive line has yet to control the game up front. Guards Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele have been unimpressive, and right tackle Roger Rosengarten has had his fair share of miscues as a run blocker. The line is clearly out of sync, and the cracks are starting to reveal themselves more than they ever have without Ricard.
Ricard's importance to the offense has never been clearer. Sure, Henry can get it done no matter who is blocking in front of him, but without Ricard, there have been issues clearing out lanes consistently. The passing game has also suffered.
While not used as often, the nine-year veteran helps keep Jackson’s pocket clean. Throughout the 2025 campaign thus far, Jackson has already had to make numerous Superman-like plays. Too often has the league’s best offense looked human, and with a tough stretch ahead, the Ravens need Ricard back soon.
The Ravens will be playing against two of the best teams in the NFL in the next two weeks. They face the Detroit Lions in Week 3, and in Week 4, they will play the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. They have their work cut out for them, and if Ricard remains sidelined, an already tough task will only get tougher.