The Ravens’ already fraught cornerback depth has taken its biggest hit yet. Marlon Humphrey, the team’s top defensive back, is expected to miss time with a foot injury, coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. Harbaugh couldn’t say how long Humphrey is expected to miss because the timeline is undetermined, but he said he doesn’t believe it’s a long-term injury.
The three-time Pro Bowler and 2019 All-Pro cornerback missed Wednesday’s practice after limping off the field at Tuesday’s session. The foot surgery, which Humphrey underwent Wednesday, according to Harbaugh, could keep him out a month, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport.
“It’s been a lingering thing, and [the Ravens medical staff] took a look at it and said that’s something they want to take care of now instead of waiting,” Harbaugh said.
The Ravens’ depth at cornerback, specifically behind Humphrey, was already thin. Humphrey’s absence adds to a concerning list of injuries at the position: Damarion “Pepe” Williams is expected to miss the first month of the season with surgery on his ankle. Rock Ya-Sin, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Arthur Maulet have all missed time as well, and they did not participate in Wednesday’s joint practice with the Washington Commanders.
In recent days, the Ravens have acquired two corners to add depth. Baltimore claimed Tae Hayes off waivers from Detroit on Saturday and signed DeAndre Houston-Carson on Monday. Neither of those players, however, would be expected to match Humphrey’s level of play.
Humphrey had 71 tackles (4th on the Ravens) and three interceptions (2nd) in 17 games last season. Entering his seventh season, he’s Baltimore’s longest-tenured defensive back and is consistently regarded as one of the top corners in the NFL.
