Baltimore Beatdown
In yesterday’s 41-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, edge rusher Kyle Van Noy was one of a few Ravens’ players to exit the game early due to injury. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the 2024 Pro Bowler may now miss multiple games with a hamstring injury but is “hoping” his absence will be short-term.
Van Noy, 34, is an important piece on the Ravens’ defense. The 12-year veteran has been the team’s most consistent pass-rusher over the past two seasons, combining for 21.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024 with 30 quarterback hits, 27 pressures, and 23 tackles for loss as well. He earned his first ever Pro Bowl nod last season after posting career-highs in multiple categories.
On top of that, he’s a valuable veteran leader and locker room presence, especially for a younger edge rusher group around him. While a limited absence and quick recovery would be ideal for all parties, hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger and can be tricky. Given this, as well as Van Noy’s age, the Ravens will likely take it slow and not rush him back into action.
Should Van Noy in fact miss multiple upcoming games, the Ravens will be without their leading sack-getter against the Detroit Lions and potentially three other returning playoff teams in the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. The Ravens are still without the services of Adisa Isaac as well, who is recovering from an elbow injury and is not expected to return until around midseason.
Van Noy’s absence would open the door for Tavius Robinson and Mike Green to see expanded playing time alongside Odafe Oweh, who will also be relied upon more now for production and impact. Robinson and Green played 48 and 45 snaps, respectively, against the Browns, which were higher than Oweh’s snap count of 41. Robinson recorded a key sack and forced fumble on Joe Flacco along with six tackles. Green flashed his pass-rushing ability and, although he’s still seeking his first career sack, did record his first quarterback hit.
It’s also a possibility, if not likely, that David Ojabo will be activated to provide depth and round out the edge rusher rotation. Assuming Van Noy is inactive for the Ravens’ Week 3 contest this Monday night, the edge rusher room will be tested by a dynamic Lions’ rushing attack and offense that scored 52 points this past Sunday.
