The Baltimore Ravens received some tough injury news as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season. Head Coach John Harbaugh provided important updates on the health status of two key players on Monday, shedding light on their recovery timelines and how these injuries will impact the team’s plans moving forward.
Most notably, outside linebacker Adisa Isaac suffered a significant setback following a dislocated elbow sustained during the preseason Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Initially, the injury was expected to sideline Isaac for just a few weeks. However, after further testing and evaluation, the team discovered the injury was more severe than originally thought. It turns out Isaac sustained ligament damage along with the dislocation, which now requires surgical intervention.
Harbaugh explained the situation in detail: “There was some ligament damage in there with the dislocated elbow. Had it been a clean dislocated elbow, it would’ve been about three weeks. Since it’s not, [Isaac’s] going to have to undergo surgery.” While the injury is undoubtedly a setback, the coach reassured fans that it is not season-ending. “Maybe midway in the season sometime he’ll have a chance to come back,” Harbaugh added.
This development is bittersweet for the Ravens. Isaac, a promising talent on the defensive front, was expected to contribute meaningfully to Baltimore’s pass rush this year. Losing him for the early part of the season means the coaching staff will have to rely more heavily on other players to fill the void and maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Still, the possibility of Isaac returning later in the year offers hope that he can regain his form and bolster the defense down the stretch.
Isaac isn’t the only player facing a delayed return. Offensive lineman Emory Jones Jr., Baltimore’s third-round rookie pick, also won’t be ready to take the field at the start of the regular season. Harbaugh addressed Jones’ status, noting the setback and the team’s cautious approach to his recovery.
“Yeah, disappointing. He’s not going to make it to the start of the regular season,” Harbaugh said. The coach emphasized that the decision comes after consultation with medical professionals who want to ensure Jones’ injury is fully healed before he returns to action. “I would say the doctor, the surgeon, best I can tell you, he wants to be sure that it’s fully right and that’s the way it should be. We respect that and so it’s going to take a little longer.”
Jones’ delayed availability means the Ravens’ offensive line depth will be tested early in the season, but the coaching staff remains optimistic about his long-term contributions once he’s fully healthy. The priority is clear: make sure Jones has a complete recovery to avoid any lingering issues or setbacks.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, especially during the grueling NFL season, and managing player health is critical to a team’s success. Baltimore’s cautious and transparent communication about Isaac’s and Jones’ injuries reflects a commitment to doing things the right way. Rather than rushing players back prematurely, the Ravens are prioritizing long-term health, which should benefit the team in the long run.
For Ravens fans, these updates might be disappointing, but they also highlight the resilience and depth of the roster. The coaching staff and medical team will continue to work closely with these players to ensure they return at full strength when the time is right.
As the regular season approaches, Baltimore will need other contributors to step up and fill the gaps left by these injuries. Meanwhile, the hope remains that Isaac and Jones can make impactful returns mid-season, strengthening the team’s chances as they aim for a successful campaign.