The hits kept coming for the Baltimore Ravens while falling to 1-3, particularly on the defensive end. They entered their 37-20 blowout defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs down four starters on that side of the ball, and that nearly doubled.
Four of Baltimore's front seven were out before they even took the field in Kansas City, and we're not talking rotational pieces or reserves. Two-time Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike and the team's reigning sack leader, Kyle Van Noy, headlined the notable names sidelined. Alas, other impactful contributors appear destined to join them on the shelf after getting hurt against the Chiefs.
Baltimore saw a pair of All-Pros go down in the first half of their loss to the Chiefs: linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. That alone further exacerbates the health woes of an already inept Ravens stop unit. Yet, that somehow wasn't the last of the two-time reigning AFC North champion's injury troubles on top of an incredibly disappointing outcome.
Injury-riddled Ravens can't catch a break, continue to lose defensive starters vs. Chiefs
Standout second-year corner Nate Wiggins was carted to the locker room with an apparent right arm issue. To make matters worse, it happened in the final frame of a game that was out of reach for the Ravens. Nevertheless, timing and situation aside, he seems headed for a potentially lengthy absence, marking the latest of brutal breaks for Baltimore.
A Ravens squad that allowed the most and second-most yards and points per game, respectively, heading into Week 4's Sunday action is battered and bruised. They can't afford to withstand any blows, let alone a rash of them, especially given the club's current state of affairs. The margin for error is razor-thin in a competitive conference, and their place on the division throne is in jeopardy.
It's stunning to see the Ravens drop three of four games to begin the 2025 NFL campaign. Even with a gauntlet of contenders like the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions on the calendar, no one expected them to fall below .500. Yet, an inability to stop opponents makes winning awfully difficult, which doesn't figure to change anytime soon with so many players wounded.
Things are spiraling out of control in Baltimore. The Ravens' schedule doesn't soften up, so they need reinforcements quickly. Otherwise, it's on head coach John Harbaugh and Co. to get creative.