The Baltimore Ravens got a welcome sight at practice this week: Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins were both back on the field after dealing with injuries, a boost for a defense that’s been short-handed in camp.
Humphrey had an undisclosed issue, while Wiggins was sidelined after suffering a left leg injury during training camp. Both cornerbacks are expected to be ready for Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 22.
Head Coach Jesse Minter sounded encouraged about where things stand. He said both players are "trending very well" and added, "Got good reports on both of them and expect both of those guys back."
Wiggins’ injury briefly set off alarm bells when he was carted off during practice. But later reports indicated there was no structural damage, easing fears that he’d miss an extended stretch. Humphrey, meanwhile, left practice on his own, a sign the issue was less serious.
Baltimore could use the reinforcement. The Ravens finished last season tied for second-to-last in the NFL against the pass, so getting two key corners back in the mix matters. Wiggins has been viewed as Baltimore’s best cover corner, making his return especially important.
Even with the injuries, camp has given some younger defensive backs a chance to show what they can do. Rookie Chandler Rivers and Keyon Martin have both flashed, with each making notable plays in practice.
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver said the group has enough depth to absorb injuries if needed, noting, "There are a bunch of guys I think that could step in if needed."
For now, the Ravens are hoping Humphrey and Wiggins keep trending the right way as they move toward their preseason matchup with Minnesota and keep building toward the regular season.
In Other News...
Vikings Roster Battle Suddenly Centers On Two Crucial Defensive Spots
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Two areas stand out most as the roster picture comes into focus: rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks and the collection of outside linebackers trying to earn their place. Nothing is official yet, and every version of the roster still carries a speculative edge, but the defense appears to be where the Vikings have the most to sort through before the final decisions are made. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Suddenly Need A Veteran Safety Before Week 1
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One speculative idea making the rounds would send the Vikings after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin, with the move built around a late draft pick in 2027. It is only a proposal for now, not something confirmed by either team, but it reflects the reality Minnesota is facing: the need is real, the timing is urgent, and the options may not be as plentiful as they were just a few weeks ago. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings May Already Have Their Answer To The Jonathan Greenard Risk
The Vikings knew they were making a longer view move when they sent Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia during the draft and brought back two third-round picks, a deal that was always about more than the immediate depth chart. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski made clear the trade was tied to economic and organizational considerations, even if it did not figure to make Minnesota better right away.
What has given the Vikings some early comfort is the way Dallas Turner has looked in training camp and the preseason, giving them a young edge presence who could help soften the loss of Greenard. The idea was always to absorb some short-term risk for a broader payoff, and Turners development is already making that bet look a little less daunting. [Read more 🡒]