Baltimore Ravens face setback with Teddye Buchanan’s torn ACL
The Baltimore Ravens faced a tough blow earlier this week as it was confirmed that fourth-round rookie inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. This injury occurred during the team’s Week 15 shutout victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving a significant void in the Ravens’ defense as they prepare for their regular-season home finale at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jay Higgins IV makes a timely return
As the Ravens grapple with Buchanan’s loss, there is a silver lining in the form of rookie inside linebacker Jay Higgins IV, who has been cleared to return to practice. Higgins, an undrafted free agent, had been sidelined since the Ravens’ Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings due to a minor knee injury. At that time, head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the injury would keep Higgins out for a few weeks, but the recent designation for his return is a welcome development.
With Buchanan now heading to season-ending injured reserve, Higgins is poised to step into the vacated roster spot. Once activated from injured reserve, likely within the next 21 days, he will bolster the Ravens’ linebacker corps. Higgins earned recognition as one of the premier off-ball linebackers during his tenure at the University of Iowa, showcasing strong instincts and leadership on the field. Despite his accolades as an All-American, he went undrafted, making his journey to the Ravens all the more compelling.
Looking ahead
As the Ravens prepare for their final home game of the season, the combination of Buchanan’s absence and Higgins’ return will be closely monitored. The team’s ability to adapt could prove crucial as they aim to secure their playoff positioning. The Ravens’ coaching staff will undoubtedly be keen to integrate Higgins back into the lineup, leveraging his skills to mitigate the impact of Buchanan’s injury.
