Ravens face setback as Teddye Buchanan feared lost for season with torn ACL
The Baltimore Ravens celebrated a triumphant return to form with a commanding victory over their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, in a Week 15 showdown. Yet, amidst the jubilation, the mood shifted dramatically as defensive coordinator Zach Orr faced the potential loss of a critical player.
Injury Strikes During Special Teams Play
Late in the first quarter, inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan was deployed on the field for punt coverage. Unfortunately, the moment turned dire when he suddenly collapsed, clutching his knee in visible distress. The play was non-contact, raising immediate alarm as he was escorted off the field.
Head coach John Harbaugh, alongside the training staff, surrounded Buchanan, their expressions revealing deep concern as they evaluated the injury. Shortly thereafter, the rookie was carted to the locker room, ruled out before the second quarter even began.
Harbaugh Provides Grim Update
In the postgame press conference, Harbaugh shared a somber update regarding Buchanan’s condition. “Teddye, we’ll know tomorrow, but I don’t think it looks good initially, but we’ll have to confirm that tomorrow,” he stated, hinting at the seriousness of the situation.
Fear of a Season-Ending Injury
As the day unfolded, Harbaugh’s concerns appeared to be validated. NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Buchanan, who has been pivotal for the Ravens as their second-leading tackler, is believed to have torn his ACL during the game.
“Sources: The belief is that Ravens LB Teddye Buchanan, the team’s second-leading tackler, tore his ACL during Sunday’s win over the Bengals. Buchanan will undergo additional testing today to confirm the injury,” Schefter relayed.
This alarming development not only casts a shadow over Buchanan’s rookie season but also leaves the Ravens’ defense grappling with the loss of a key contributor as they push forward in the campaign. The team will await further tests to confirm the extent of the injury, but the outlook appears increasingly bleak.
