Ravens much-needed cornerback injury update could subtly shape 2026 outlook

The Baltimore Ravens are expected to see some much-needed returns from two of their 2025 draft picks this season. Robert Longerbeam has already stepped back onto the field, and now, it’s looking like Bilhal Kone is nearing that moment, too.

After flashing in camp last year, Kone was building up a ton of fan anticipation for his debut. Unfortunately, he suffered a horrific knee injury, which meant that his debut would have to wait. It won’t be much longer, though, as it looks like he’s almost made a full recovery.

During minicamp, Kone was seen getting work in with Marlon Humphrey.

Now, the 24-year-old was seen making what appears to be serious progress with his trainer, Varmah Sonie.

This update could be important for a Baltimore secondary that is coming off a rough campaign, and Kone may be in line for an underrated role.

Baltimore Ravens are watching another young cornerback near a return from injury

The Ravens have a deep cornerback room, so reps are going to be hard to come by. The starting trio is set in stone, and T.J. Tampa likely already has the top backup spot locked up. However, for Bilhal Kone, there’s a clear opportunity for reps if he makes a seamless return from injury.

Despite all the potential on the corner, most of it actually comes in the slot. Keyon Martin, Chandler Rivers, and Robert Longerbeam are all probably going to be slot-only options. That might leave a competition open on the outside. It’s really only Tampa right now, and while versatility exists with Marlon Humphrey, Kone has a legit shot at fighting for high positioning on the depth chart in training camp and the preseason.

Last offseason, Kone was quickly proving his worth as a sixth-round pick. Sure, we never got to see it to its fullest extent, but we at least know there’s talent there. At 6-foot-1, he brings the ideal size and physicality to the table to stick on the outside. He possesses good footwork and athleticism, too, which were already seeing in those rehab clips. That’s a clear reason to be excited for what he could do on Baltimore’s defense. Still, his spot isn’t necessarily guaranteed.

Kone will have to win his way onto the roster in the coming months. The potential is so immense that it’s hard to ignore, but in the same breath, the competition from fellow 2025 sixth-round pick Robert Longerbeam, who has experience on the boundary, as well as others, will push him to the brink.

With some injury worries in the Ravens’ cornerback room, too, Kone will be an important depth piece. He may not have a critical role early on, but if he hits the ground running and quickly gets back to the Kone that Baltimore was enamored with when they drafted him in 2025, then he could quickly be back on the rise.

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