Baltimore Ravens Defensive Tackle Suffers Biceps Injury

The Baltimore Ravens defense has taken yet another hit. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, defensive tackle Michael Pierce suffered a biceps tear during the team's Week 3 win over the New England Patriots and will be out indefinitely.

#Ravens DT Michael Pierce suffered a biceps tear in Sunday’s win, sources say, but there is not definitive word yet on how to proceed and if Pierce can continue playing at some point this season. Those tests and decisions are ongoing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2022

The Ravens apparently expressed some optimism Pierce could return at some point this season. Pierce joins edge rusher Justin Houston and cornerback Kyle Fuller as defensive starters currently sidelined for the Ravens. The team has struggled so far this season on the defensive side of the ball, ranking dead last in yards allowed and 30th in net yards per pass attempt. Pierce's unavailability isn't likely to help.

Pierce rejoined the Ravens this past offseason following a one-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings. The defensive tackle initially latched on with Baltimore in 2016, where he fought his way to starting snaps despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent. He has notched 41 starts as a run-stuffing nose tackle, and he has consistently earned strong marks from Pro Football Focus, including an elite 86.9 grade to begin this season. His absence will likely mean increased snaps for rookie third-round draft pick Travis Jones.