Ravens deflating injury setback deepens defensive line troubles

The Baltimore Ravens are starting to get healthy. Fullback Patrick Ricard, linebacker Roquan Smith, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie returned to action in their Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Marlon Humphrey are back to their healthy selves, and quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to make his long-awaited return in Week 9 versus the Miami Dolphins.

However, just as many key contributors were making their returns, they saw an injured defender get hit with an injury setback.

Defensive lineman Broderick Washington has been on injured reserve since injuring his ankle in Baltimore’s Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions. Head Coach John Harbaugh was initially optimistic about his eventual return, but the injury has gone from bad to worse.

Following Tuesday’s practice, Harbaugh provided an update on Washington’s injury. While his window to return from IR had just opened, the defense will be without the 28-year-old for much longer than expected, as he has undergone surgery.

“He’s having a surgery,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t know what details I can get into on it right now. It kind of came out of the blue, but we’ll have a lot more information on it soon.”

While Washington was not necessarily effective in his first three games in 2025, it is a significant blow to the team’s depth at the position. The group has struggled through the first eight weeks, and it will not get any better without Washington for an extended period of time.

Broderick Washington injury setback deals blow to Ravens’ depth

So far in 2025, Washington has registered a 30.4 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He was abysmal in run defense, grading out with a 27.7 in that department. However, he did generate some pass rush with a 62.3 grade. He tallied three hurries from the interior on a unit that has failed to generate consistent pressure.

In all fairness, Washington’s replacements have done well in his absence. Veterans John Jenkins and Brent Urban are playing their role well, and C.J. Okoye is impressing coaches with his development each week. Still, it is a troubling loss to an underwhelming defensive line that has struggled to find consistent producers week to week.

It was not confirmed whether Washington is out for the year, but as we hit the midseason point, the outlook on a potential return is not exactly positive.

The Ravens were already reportedly looking to add on defense through the trade market. The defensive line needs improvement, and Washington’s surgery adds a deeper sense of urgency to making such a move at that spot.