Ravens Lose Their Second-Leading Tackler To Torn ACL

The Baltimore Ravens just took a brutal hit on defense. 

Rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan’s season is officially done after he went down hard against the Cincinnati Bengals, and John Harbaugh confirmed Monday that it is a torn ACL.

Teddye Buchanan torn ACL confirmed by John Harbaugh

Buchanan suffered the injury on punt coverage during Sunday’s 24 to 0 win, and the early fear became reality at Harbaugh’s Monday presser. 

ESPN added that Buchanan also has a torn meniscus and a sprained LCL, which only makes the road back tougher even if the long term outlook is still hopeful. 

Coach Harbaugh confirms Teddye Buchanan will miss the rest of the season: pic.twitter.com/Jl9ZaSAEFC

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 15, 2025

Baltimore Ravens linebacker depth shifts after Buchanan injury

This is a real loss for Baltimore because Buchanan was not just a rotational guy. The fourth round pick started 13 of 14 games and piled up 93 tackles, finishing as the team’s second leading tackler behind Roquan Smith. 

With Buchanan out, Trenton Simpson is expected to slide back into the starting lineup next to Smith, beginning with the next matchup against the New England Patriots.

#Ravens rookie standout LB Teddye Buchanan, their second-leading tackler, does, in fact, have a torn ACL, coach John Harbaugh confirmed after the MRI. He’s out for the season. pic.twitter.com/UIawzEClSh

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 15, 2025

The timing stings because Buchanan had quickly become a trusted piece in the middle of the defense, and now the Ravens have to reshuffle on the fly while trying to keep their season on track.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images