(Update: 4:02 p.m.): The Ravens have placed Pierce on injured reserve:
We have placed NT Michael Pierce on IR. pic.twitter.com/wbJwC7C2G3
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 29, 2022
Previous coverage:
The Baltimore Ravens defense took a blow prior to facing the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.
Last weekend, starting defensive tackle Michael Pierce suffered a biceps injury. According to Ravens Wire, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that it was up to Pierce what happens next.
His outlook for this upcoming meeting with the Bills was murky. Now it’s confirmed, it won’t be happening.
Pierce has opted to have season-ending surgery on his biceps injury he sustained in Week 3.
Lining up in the middle of the D-line, Pierce started all three games for the Ravens in 2022 before injury. Baltimore routinely rotates their defensive line, but Pierce clogs up a lot in the trenches and now he won’t be there.
That could be good news for Buffalo’s rushing attack and offense in general.
Through the start of the season, Pro Football Focus was very high on Pierce. The football analytics outlet graded him an 86.9 overall, a very good figure.
That slated Pierce as the fifth-best defensive tackle in the NFL currently. Bare minimum, the loss of Pierce gives the Bills a bit of a break in the middle.
Last weekend during Buffalo’s 21-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the team had struggles on the interior of their O-line due to their own injuries. Ryan Bates (concussion) left the game early. Mitch Morse (elbow) did not play.
A bit more of an even playing field in that area now.
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