MatthewHibner

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.

Oct 5

The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency, leading them to draft Hibner and Cuevas and add Durham Smythe in free agency. During the first two weeks, Andrews played 71.4% of snaps, playing all of the third-down snaps, two-thirds of the 12 personnel snaps and over half of the 11 personnel snaps on early downs. Smythe was the backup, seeing 83.7% of 12 personnel snaps and a significant amount of 11 personnel on early downs. The Ravens ran 24 plays out of 13 personnel over the first two weeks, with Hibner taking all 24 of those snaps. Hibner and Cuevas received one snap each in 11 personnel over the first two weeks. The Ravens had a notable shift last week. In 11 personnel on early downs, Hibner took eight snaps compared to seven by Mark Andrews and three each by Smythe and Cuevas. Andrews remained the clear tight end for third downs, but Cuevas was also rotated in more often in 12 and 13 personnel. This week, the rookies became even more involved. Cuevas and Hibner combined for three of the seven snaps on third downs, which was a notable change compared to the first three weeks. Hibner’s playing time in 12 personnel jumped from 41.8% over the first three weeks to 84.2% this week, taking time away from both Andrews and Smythe. In all situations, Cuevas' playing time took minor leaps compared to his averages from the first three weeks, leading to a career-high 27.0% snap rate. This probably isn’t enough to make either rookie fantasy-valuable yet, but it could be enough to ruin Andrews' fantasy value. His route participation rate remained steady this week, but if the rookies continue to trend in the right direction, then Andrews' playing time may dip below 50% sometime in the next month. Andrews scored a touchdown in this game, making him a potential sell-high option.