Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh broke the news of cornerback Tavon Young’s neck injury after Thursday night’s preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. Young is expected to have surgery on his neck to repair the issue, which will mean he’ll miss the 2019 season. It’s a huge blow for what was supposed to be Baltimore’s strongest asset, their secondary. But what exactly does it mean for the Ravens’ defense moving forward?
When it comes to the team, Baltimore is somewhat lucky in that they’ve been stacking up their cornerback depth chart for years. The Ravens have added talent through the draft, undrafted pickups and some free-agent acquisitions to have excellent depth. Losing a starter, and one Baltimore clearly thought highly of to sign him early to a three-year extension this offseason at that, is never ideal but the Ravens will have to rely on the next man up.
It should cement a spot on the 53-man roster for Cyrus Jones, who had been on the roster bubble. Though Jones was Baltimore’s punt returner last year, the Ravens had been trying some other players at the position throughout training camp, including quarterback Trace McSorley. With Jones’ play in two preseason games and now Young’s injury, he should find a place on the team again this season.
But Jones isn’t the only player that could find his way to the slot cornerback role. Baltimore has been moving cornerback Brandon Carr around the defense and he has experience playing in the slot. However, with Jimmy Smith not playing well last season or so far this offseason, there’s a chance Carr could stay outside to rotate with Smith this season. Though it was already a very slim chance Smith was going to be traded this offseason, Young’s injury fully eliminates it as Baltimore will need the depth there too badly.
Young’s injury also could open up a spot for Maurice Canady at cornerback. Canady’s injury history and the depth at cornerback had him a longshot to make the 53-man roster previously. On the Ravens’ depth chart, Canady had been last in a fourth-string role. If Canady can have a strong remainder of the preseason, he could find his way on the team as emergency depth in case of further injury ahead of him.
Young’s injury will put more pressure on Baltimore’s linebackers and safeties to help whoever replaces him. Previously, the Ravens had been able to rely on Young to lock down his guy or zone with relative consistency. But if Jones, Carr or Canady are called upon, there’s likely going to be a little loss there regardless. That’ll mean safety Earl Thomas could have to alter his coverage area a little to offer support. The same could be the case for linebackers Patrick Onwuasor, Chris Board and Kenny Young.
But the Ravens are sadly familiar with having to work around injuries. They’ve battled the injury bug for the last five years, sending 93 players to injured reserve over that time, including Young. If anyone can figure out how to make it work, it’ll be defensive coordinator Don Martindale. But it’s going to take a team effort to make up for Young’s season-ending injury.
