NickVannett

Oct 12

The Ravens' run-blocking tight end suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the rest of the season.

Baltimore started the season with Mark Andrews as its lead tight end, while Smythe and Matt Hibner also played more than 40% of snaps. Andrews was the primary tight end in 11 personnel on third downs, but all three saw time in 11 personnel on early downs. They frequently rotated in 12 personnel and were the most common tight end combination in 13 personnel. Josh Cuevas had also played 45 snaps this season. After Smythe's injury last week, it appeared the younger tight ends would take on larger roles going forward. Andrews had played more than 70% of snaps in each of the first two weeks but less than 60% in each of the last two. This week, Andrews was back to being the clear lead tight end, playing more consistently in 11 and 12 personnel than usual. Baltimore elevated Nick Vannett from the practice squad, but Vannett didn't see as much playing time as Smythe had, with Cuevas stepping up in 11 and 12 personnel. Part of Andrews' increased playing time was due to Hibner suffering a hand injury in the first half, although he was able to return in the second half. Andrews was a nonfactor in the passing game for the first 58 minutes, recording just one reception. He became much more involved in the final two minutes and overtime, finishing with four receptions for 28 yards. It wouldn't be surprising to see Hibner and Cuevas cut further into Andrews' playing time as the season progresses, especially in games where the Ravens have a lead.

Brian Nemhauser·Aug 10

Milroe had the steadiest day of the quarterbacks, although his work was not without problems. He rolled left on a bootleg and completed a pass to Ricky White for roughly 10 yards. His best throw came during the teamwide one-on-one competition, when he placed a ball beautifully along the right sideline for Emmett “E.J.” Henderson Jr. despite tight coverage from Michael Dansby. The completion required both an accurate throw and a difficult catch. Milroe was a little late moving through his progression on another play but still completed a pass to Cody White for approximately seven yards. He was then technically sacked after Jalen Gaines beat Nick Vannett, though the rep continued and Milroe found Montorie Foster Jr. for a deep touchdown down the left sideline after De’Anthony Bell fell. During red-zone work, Milroe connected with Nick Kallerup on the right seam and allowed the tight end to run the ball into the end zone. His final team period was much less productive, with consecutive inside runs going nowhere, a middle blitz producing a sack and additional pressure forcing him from the pocket.