The Baltimore Ravens desperately need a win in their Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. They not only have a chance to kick off a critical stretch on a high note, but also have a golden opportunity to eliminate a key division rival in the Bengals.
The offense once again started slowly, but the defense got out to a hot start. Unfortunately, they will be without a key starter for the rest of Sunday’s contest, and the rest of his 2025 campaign could be in question.
Rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan went down with a knee injury while playing punt coverage on punter Jordan Stout’s second punt of the day late in the first quarter. It was a non-contact left knee injury.
Man, that did not look good. Ravens starting ILB Teddye Buchanan immediately grabbing his right knee as he fell to the turf on punt coverage.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 14, 2025
Buchanan limped to the sideline and was eventually carted off. He was almost immediately ruled out of the game.
ILB Teddye Buchanan (knee) has been ruled out.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 14, 2025
Versatile linebacker Trenton Simpson took over for Buchanan after the injury.
Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner reported Buchanan will undergo an MRI on Monday.
Rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan will undergo an MRI on Monday for a suspected ACL tear, according to sources.https://t.co/WRU3vSaYc0
— Giana Han (@giana_jade) December 14, 2025
Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed in his postgame press conference that they will find out more tomorrow, but admitted it does not look good.
Injury updates from Coach Harbaugh. pic.twitter.com/SeNGV2Ri88
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 14, 2025
Ravens lose Teddye Buchanan in must-win game
Buchanan started the game on a high note. He fired in on a tone-setting run stop on the Bengals’ first play of the afternoon. He was quickly up to two tackles after just one defensive set of snaps.
The 23-year-old was making his presence known this year. Despite being a rookie, Buchanan took over the starting spot next to All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith in Week 2 and never looked back. He is second on the team in tackles with 91. He also earned a prestigious honor, taking home the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October.
The Ravens will miss Buchanan’s strong play as a run defender and sure tackling ability. According to Pro Football Focus, he has registered an impressive 69.8 run defense grade and a 75.9 tackling grade. He has just eight missed tackles with an 8.6 missed tackle percentage.
In his place, Simpson has the experience to pick up where Buchanan left off. He has been disappointing for a former third-round pick in his third professional season, but he has done well enough in the reps he has gotten in 2025.