After an embarrassing loss in Week 5, it is clear the Baltimore Ravens are spiraling out of control. Outside of the passing game, every aspect of their team has found struggles in 2025.
The defense is a major issue that seems like a lost cause entering Week 6, but the most surprising troubles come in Baltimore’s rushing attack. After a Week 1 performance against the Buffalo Bills, where they amassed 238 rushing yards, the Ravens have not posed a consistent threat on the ground.
The offensive line has been the catalyst for these problems. The guard duo of Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele has failed to rise to the occasion this year, and second-year tackle Roger Rosengarten has been rather unimpressive as a run blocker.
how does the MLB go unblocked, He was prob identified by Lindy and he still was unblocked pic.twitter.com/Tm2ITDBOh2
— Ivan Evans (@CoachEvans9) October 6, 2025
The absence of fullback Patrick Ricard has never been more obvious. The five-time Pro Bowler has long been the backbone of the Ravens’ run game, but has yet to play in 2025 due to a nagging calf injury that he suffered in training camp.
On Monday, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an update on Ricard’s recovery timeline, and while he provided a hopeful return date, he seemed uncertain about the 31-year-old’s status.
“It was supposed to be a two-to-three week injury, and then he kind of re-tweaked it, and it was supposed to be another two to three weeks,” Harbaugh said. “We’re looking at [the return date] to be the Bears game. We’ll see if he makes it or not…If he doesn’t make it, whoever we play after the Bears, it’ll be that game.”
John Harbaugh provides estimated timeline for Ricard’s return
While it is good to hear that Ricard could be on his way back, the update was not exactly all that reassuring. It is clear Ricard’s recovery has been unpredictable, so there is no telling what the situation may be after the team’s Week 7 bye. One thing is for certain, though: the Ravens need Ricard back fast if they want to right this ship.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden has been taking snaps in Ricard’s place, but is not filling the void thus far. His pass blocking has looked strong, but his play as a run blocker has lagged far behind. In 43 run blocking snaps, he has registered a 44.5 grade in that department, per Pro Football Focus.
Running back Derrick Henry has suffered in the wake of it all. In the last four contests, Henry has failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards. The offensive front consistently collapses at the snap of the football, giving Henry little to no room to operate.
Ricard’s pending return should give Henry and the offense a huge boost, but for now, his return is uncertain.