Kyle Van Noy, the Ravens edge rusher who was injured in yesterday’s 41-17 win over the Cleveland Browns. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the 2024 Pro Bowler could miss several games due to a hamstring problem. However, he is “hoping” it will only be a short-term absence.
Van Noy is a key piece of the Ravens defense. The Ravens’ most consistent pass rusher in the last two seasons has been Van Noy, a 12-year veteran. He combined 21.5 sacks with 30 quarterback pressures and 27 hits as well as 23 tackles for losses. Last season, he was nominated for his first Pro Bowl after achieving career highs in several categories.
He’s also a great leader, and a locker room presence for younger edge rushers around him. Although a short absence and a quick recovery is ideal, hamstrings tend to be stubborn and difficult. Van Noy is also getting older, so the Ravens are likely to take their time and not rush his return.
If Van Noy does miss several games in the future, the Ravens would be without their top sack-getter when they face the Detroit Lions as well as three other returning playoff teams, including the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams. Adisa Isaac, who has an elbow injury that is expected to keep him out until mid-season, is also still out of the Ravens’ lineup.
Van Noy’s departure would allow Tavius Robinson, Mike Green and Odafe Oweh to get more playing time. Odafe Oweh will be relied on now for his production and impact. Robinson and Green each played 48 snaps and 45 snaps against the Browns. This was more than Oweh, who only had 41 snaps. Robinson had a sack, forced fumble and six tackles on Joe Flacco. Green showed off his pass-rushing abilities and recorded his first quarterback strike, even though he is still awaiting his first career sack.
David Ojabo could be activated as well to round out the rotation of edge rushers. If Van Noy does not play in the Ravens Week 3 matchup on Monday, the edge rusher’s room will be put to the test by the Lions’ dynamic rushing attack. The Lions scored 52 points last Sunday.