As the NFL calendar flips to Week 16, the hits keep coming-literally and figuratively. This is the stretch when contenders are forged not just by their stars, but by the strength of their depth chart. For the Baltimore Ravens, that depth is about to be tested in a big way.
Injuries piling up, reinforcements on deck
The Ravens are dealing with a crowded injury report this week, and while the big names-Lamar Jackson, Ronnie Stanley, and Roquan Smith-are all trending in the right direction for Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots, not everyone is on the same path.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie remains a question mark. He’s been sidelined with a foot injury, missing both Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices. That’s a situation worth monitoring, especially against a Patriots team that, despite its struggles, can still find ways to exploit a weakened secondary.
But the biggest blow came last week when rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan went down with a torn ACL in the first quarter of Baltimore’s win over the Bengals. It’s a tough loss-not just because Buchanan was carving out a role on defense, but because he was also a key contributor on special teams. His season is over, and the Ravens now have to pivot quickly.
Trenton Simpson steps in, but depth is thin
Third-year linebacker Trenton Simpson is next up. He’ll slide into Buchanan’s role, and while Simpson has shown flashes of his potential, this is a big spot.
The Ravens are in the thick of the playoff race, and there’s no margin for error. Simpson’s speed and instincts will be tested right away.
Behind him, the Ravens are looking for answers-and they may be getting one in the form of undrafted rookie Jay Higgins.
Jay Higgins: From preseason standout to potential late-season contributor
Higgins returned to practice this week after being on injured reserve since Week 10 with a knee injury suffered against the Minnesota Vikings. He’s been limited in both sessions so far, but the timing of his return couldn’t be more critical.
Now, let’s be clear-Higgins hasn’t taken a single defensive snap in the regular season. But he’s made his presence felt on special teams, where he’s been a consistent contributor in coverage units. That’s where he’s likely to make his impact again, especially with Buchanan’s absence leaving a hole in that phase of the game.
During the preseason, Higgins turned heads with his motor, physicality, and football IQ. He earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster, forcing his way in as the fifth linebacker.
Pro Football Focus even named him to their all-rookie team for his preseason performance. That kind of recognition doesn’t come easy, especially for an undrafted player.
What his return means for Baltimore’s stretch run
Let’s not expect Higgins to suddenly become a rotational piece on defense-not this late in the year, and not with so much riding on every snap. The Ravens are entering the final three-game stretch of the regular season with playoff seeding-and possibly more-on the line. This is when execution matters most, and it’s unlikely they’ll roll the dice with a rookie who hasn’t seen regular-season defensive action.
But special teams? That’s a different story.
Higgins can step in immediately and help stabilize a unit that just lost one of its core contributors. In a game that so often hinges on field position and hidden yardage, having a reliable tackler and disciplined lane-filler like Higgins back in the fold is no small thing.
Other options for Baltimore’s linebacker rotation
If the Ravens do need to dig deeper into their linebacker depth, veteran Jake Hummel is the next man up. He’s another special teams mainstay who’s earned the coaching staff’s trust.
And if Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr wants to get creative, he has the versatility of safeties Kyle Hamilton and Alohi Gilman to lean on. Both have shown they can step into hybrid roles when needed-especially Hamilton, who’s become a Swiss Army knife in Baltimore’s defense.
Bottom line
The Ravens are built to win now, but winning in December and January takes more than just stars. It takes depth, resilience, and the ability to adapt when injuries hit. With Buchanan out and Awuzie’s status up in the air, Baltimore’s depth is about to be put to the test.
Jay Higgins may not be a household name yet, but his return could quietly play a key role in keeping the Ravens’ special teams sharp-and in a playoff race this tight, every edge matters.