Ravens Rookie Linebacker Teddye Buchanan Out for Season With Torn ACL

The Baltimore Ravens have lost a key rookie contributor for the remainder of their playoff push. Inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan suffered a torn ACL in the team’s Week 15 victory. The season-ending injury was confirmed by the team this week. Buchanan, a fourth-round draft pick, had worked his way into a significant defensive role.

This setback comes as the team prepares for its final regular-season home game. According to reports from The Athletic, Buchanan’s injury occurred during the shutout win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His absence creates a notable hole in the linebacker rotation.

Veteran Trenton Simpson Steps Into Starting Role Amid Roster Shuffle

Third-year pro Trenton Simpson is now slated to start at the WILL linebacker spot. He will play next to All-Pro veteran Roquan Smith. Simpson has starting experience and is expected to handle the bulk of the defensive snaps.

The Ravens also activated a potential replacement from injured reserve. Rookie linebacker Jay Higgins IV was designated to return to practice. Higgins, an undrafted free agent, was placed on IR in Week 10 with a minor knee issue. He now has a 21-day window to be added back to the active roster.

Higgins Poised to Fill Vacated Roster Spot After Strong Preseason

Jay Higgins was a standout during the preseason and made the initial 53-man roster. Prior to his injury, he was a core special teams contributor. He recorded six special teams tackles and a forced fumble.

His return is timely following Buchanan’s injury. Higgins could potentially earn defensive snaps in a rotational role. The Ravens have a strong history of developing unheralded linebacker talent, which bodes well for his integration.

The loss of Teddye Buchanan is a blow to the Ravens’ defensive depth during a critical stretch. However, the anticipated return of Jay Higgins and the promotion of Trenton Simpson provide experienced next-man-up options for a team eyeing a deep postseason run.

Info at your fingertips-

What specific injury did Teddye Buchanan suffer?

The Baltimore Ravens confirmed that rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan tore his ACL. This is a season-ending injury that requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Who will replace Buchanan in the starting lineup?

Third-year linebacker Trenton Simpson is expected to take over the starting WILL linebacker role. Simpson has starting experience from earlier in his career and has played well in spot duty.

When is Jay Higgins eligible to play again?

Higgins has been designated to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day practice window. The Ravens can activate him to the 53-man roster at any point during this period, making him eligible for game action immediately thereafter.

How did Buchanan get injured?

The injury occurred during the Ravens’ Week 15 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Specific details of the play have not been widely disclosed, but it was a non-contact knee injury confirmed after the game.

Did the Ravens lose another player this week?

Yes, safety Sanoussi Kane was signed off the Ravens’ practice squad by the Tennessee Titans. Kane, a 2024 draft pick, was a core special teams player for Baltimore as a rookie.