Ravens' Head Coach John Harbaugh scheduled and held a press conference on Monday morning following the team's Week 1 25-9 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.
The franchise and the Ravens Nation as a whole were waiting for the results coming off the MRI tests undergone by players injured on Sunday, and Hargaugh provided updates on the injuries sustained by those players and their availability going forward.
Ravens injuries
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 11, 2023
RB Dobbins (Achilles, out for yr)
TE Andrews (Quad, chance for Sun.)
C Linderbaum (ankle, Wk-to-Wk; likely not Sun)
LT Stanley (knee, Wk-to-Wk; likely not Sun)
OLB Bowser (knee, IR until Wk 5)
CB Humphrey (foot, chance for Sun)
S Williams (torn pec, out awhile)
S Marcus Williams - Extended absence pending surgery
Harbaugh confirmed that Marcus Williams has incurred a pectoral injury, signaling his absence for an indefinite period. Nevertheless, the injury may not spell the end of his season.
The length of Williams' recovery hinges on his decision regarding surgery, which is currently under evaluation by the medical staff of the team.
"Marcus Williams has a pec injury. May not be a season ender though." pic.twitter.com/Z6ndxONxBN
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 11, 2023
With Williams out, the Ravens will most probably turn to Geno Stone, who demonstrated his mettle last season by starting in seven games when Williams was sidelined with a wrist injury.
Stone's performance in 2022 included 38 tackles and a forced fumble, making him a reliable option.
LT Ronnie Stanley and C Tyler Linderbaum - Week-to-week sprains
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley sustained a knee sprain while Tyler Linderbaum is nursing an ankle sprain.
Coach Harbaugh provides injury updates on Tyler Linderbaum and Ronnie Stanley: pic.twitter.com/FyiNh1iRIr
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 11, 2023
Both players are categorized as "week-to-week" and could potentially miss the faceoff against the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday in Week 2 of the regular season.
Harbaugh underlined the necessity for their replacements to step up if they are unavailable. Those players are expected to be versatile lineman Patrick Mekari and natural center Sam Mustipher.
RB J.K. Dobbins - Torn Achilles, out for the season
Running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a now-confirmed Achilles injury, forcing him to undergo surgery that will rule him out for the rest of the season.
Despite this setback, coach Harbaugh said Dobbins' spirits remain high.
"I like the guys we have. Melvin Gordon is here for a reason."
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 11, 2023
Coach Harbaugh on the RB group: pic.twitter.com/NoB8UC2d0A
The Ravens do not have immediate plans to sign another running back, with Harbaugh revealing that the franchise will trust veteran RB Melvin Gordon III to contribute heavily going forward.
CB Marlon Humphrey and TE Mark Andrews: Probable for Week 2
In the lone semi-positive development coming out of Harbaugh's presser on Monday, the show showed some optimism about cornerback Marlon Humphrey's prospects of playing in the upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals following weeks of rehabilitation.
Nonetheless, Harbaugh said that the final verdict hinges on Humphrey's recovery trajectory, which is still unclear so early in the week.
Coach Harbaugh on Marlon Humphrey's status: pic.twitter.com/AJ2dQ99R1Y
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 11, 2023
As for tight end Mark Andrews, who was sidelined for the opener due to a quad injury, Harbaugh revealed that Andrews isn't in a bad position to return and has showed promising signs of being close to make his comeback.
His participation in the next game will be contingent on his performance in practice and his fitness as the week progresses, but Harbaugh appeared optimistic about his readiness for Sunday.