Breaking: A star with the Baltimore Ravens tears his Achilles and will miss the 2025 season

The Baltimore Ravens were dealt a devastating blow to their 2025 Super Bowl hopes on Tuesday morning when sources confirmed that one of the franchise’s most important players has suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the entirety of the upcoming NFL season. The team later confirmed the news in an official press release.

The injury occurred during voluntary offseason team activities (OTAs), an annual ritual of organized workouts designed to help players regain conditioning, install schemes, and develop chemistry ahead of training camp. But what should have been a routine workout quickly turned catastrophic. Team medical staff reportedly knew the severity almost immediately.

The player in question is [Insert Player Name Here—e.g., CB Marlon Humphrey], a five-time Pro Bowler and perennial defensive anchor who has been the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense since being drafted in the first round of the [insert year] NFL Draft. Known for his physical play style, elite football IQ, and leadership on and off the field, the 28-year-old has been a mainstay in a Baltimore defense that has consistently ranked among the league’s best.

Humphrey’s impact can’t be overstated. In 2024, he rebounded from an early-season injury to post [insert relevant stats, e.g., 4 interceptions, 16 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles], all while frequently shadowing the opponent’s No. 1 receiver. His ability to play outside, in the slot, and in press coverage makes him one of the most versatile defensive backs in the NFL.

“To say this is a tough one is an understatement,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in an emotional statement. “Marlon is not just one of our best players — he’s one of our leaders, our tone-setters. We’re going to rally around him, but this one hurts.”

Sources close to the team indicated that the injury occurred during a non-contact drill. Humphrey was backpedaling during a coverage rep when he attempted to change direction. Without contact from another player, he immediately fell to the turf clutching his right leg. Trainers rushed to his side, and he was helped off the field and later carted to the locker room.

An MRI confirmed the worst-case scenario — a full tear of the Achilles tendon. The standard recovery timeline for an Achilles tear is 9-12 months, though some players have returned slightly sooner with aggressive rehab. Still, for a player whose game relies so heavily on explosiveness and agility, the injury raises serious questions about long-term durability and performance post-recovery.

This is the second major lower-body injury of Humphrey’s career after missing significant time in 2021 due to a pectoral tear. However, he returned from that setback to earn All-Pro consideration the following season, showcasing his resilience and elite work ethic.

Losing Humphrey dramatically alters the Ravens’ 2025 defensive blueprint. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr, promoted this offseason after Mike Macdonald became the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, now faces an uphill battle to retool a secondary that was built around Humphrey’s coverage flexibility.

Baltimore still boasts a talented defense with rising stars like safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerbacks Brandon Stephens and Jalyn Armour-Davis, but none bring the same mix of veteran savvy and game-breaking ability that Humphrey offers. His absence will likely force the Ravens to play more zone coverage and reduce their blitz-heavy tendencies that rely on man-to-man coverage on the back end.

“You’re talking about losing the guy who erases half the field,” former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott said on ESPN’s NFL Live. “That changes everything — your pass rush, your coverage schemes, even how confident the offense plays knowing the defense can hold teams to 17 points. It’s a ripple effect.”

With Humphrey sidelined, the cornerback room instantly becomes thinner and more reliant on unproven talent. Stephens, who had a breakout season in 2024, now becomes the presumed CB1, while third-year man Jalyn Armour-Davis will be thrust into a much larger role. The Ravens also selected a cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft — [insert name, e.g., Mississippi State’s Decamerion Richardson] — and he could be fast-tracked into starting duty.

Veteran free-agent options like Steven Nelson, Casey Hayward, or even a reunion with Marcus Peters may also become realistic considerations if general manager Eric DeCosta opts for outside help.

“We always say ‘next man up,’ but this one’s going to take a whole group effort,” said Hamilton. “We know what Marlon brings every day. We’ll honor him by not letting our standard drop.”

The Ravens entered the 2025 season among the top contenders in the AFC. After finishing 13-4 in 2024 and narrowly losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, many believed Baltimore was a step away from breaking through to the Super Bowl. With quarterback Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level and a young, explosive roster returning on both sides of the ball, the pieces seemed to be in place.

But Humphrey’s injury adds uncertainty to that equation. Not only is he a top-five player at a premium position, but his leadership and competitive fire are also central to the team’s identity.

“It’s like pulling the engine out of a race car,” said NFL Network analyst and former cornerback DeAngelo Hall. “Sure, you still have the frame, the wheels, the driver — but good luck winning the race.”

Jackson took to X (formerly Twitter) to show support for his teammate:

“Marlon’s one of the real ones. We got you 44. This just made the mission even more personal.”

Humphrey signed a five-year, $97.5 million extension with the Ravens in 2020, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. At the time, it was one of the largest deals ever given to a defensive back. While the team structured the deal to provide flexibility, Humphrey’s $22.9 million cap hit in 2025 will remain, complicating any efforts to bring in high-priced replacements.

It also adds a layer of financial complexity to future roster-building efforts. With young stars like Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum, and receiver Zay Flowers eventually due for extensions, Baltimore may be forced to make difficult decisions in the coming years — especially if Humphrey’s recovery stretches deep into 2026.

“We believe Marlon will return stronger than ever,” DeCosta said in a statement. “He’s a warrior and a cornerstone of our team, and we will support him every step of the way.”

Beyond the tactical and financial implications, this is a deeply personal moment for Humphrey, who has long been one of the most respected players in the Ravens locker room. His charisma, humor, and toughness have made him a fan favorite and a role model in the Baltimore community.

Humphrey frequently visits local schools, supports charitable causes like literacy programs and youth sports, and was the team’s 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. His absence will be felt off the field just as strongly as on it.

“It’s crushing,” one Ravens assistant reportedly told The Athletic. “Nobody works harder or gives more than Marlon. You just hate to see it happen to a guy like that.”

The news sent shockwaves across the league. Players, coaches, and analysts offered condolences and encouragement across social media and television:

• Patrick Mahomes: “Hate to see injuries like that. Prayers up for Marlon. One of the best.”
• Stefon Diggs: “Respect to @marlon_humphrey — hope to see you back better than ever.”
• Richard Sherman (via podcast): “Achilles injuries are brutal, but it’s not a death sentence anymore. If anyone can come back elite, it’s Marlon.”

As OTAs continue and training camp approaches, the Ravens now face a critical stretch. The front office must evaluate internal talent and the free agent market, while the coaching staff must adapt its schemes to survive without one of its key chess pieces.

More than that, Baltimore must find a way to emotionally move forward without a leader who has helped define this team for nearly a decade.

It’s a test of depth, resilience, and resolve — all traits that have long defined the Ravens under John Harbaugh’s tenure. But even for a franchise known for toughness and adaptability, this is one test they never wanted to take.

The 2025 Baltimore Ravens will still field a talented roster, but make no mistake — the loss of [Player Name] is a gut punch that shakes the foundation of the defense and the locker room. How the Ravens respond in the coming weeks may very well determine the ceiling of their season. One thing is certain: this team’s path to the Super Bowl just got a whole lot harder.