Michael

Pierce

His 21-day window opens now. A 355-pound run stuffer, Pierce’s return — should it be immediate — would be a consequential development for the Ravens ahead of Sunday afternoon’s matchup with Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. He is on the practice field today.

John Harbaugh told reporters that Pierce’s injury is not expected to be season-ending, though an expected return-to-play timeline was not provided. Pierce must miss at least four games before he is eligible to return, making the Ravens’ Week 13 game against the Eagles his earliest possible return date.

Pierce limped off the field in the second quarter and was later ruled out with a calf injury. The veteran lineman has totaled 15 tackles and one sack for the Ravens this season and has been a key part of the team’s No. 1 ranked run defense.

Pierce was downgraded from questionable to doubtful before ultimately being ruled out with the release of the Week 4 inactives. The loss of Pierce is a massive hit to a Ravens defense allowing the fewest rush yards per game through three weeks.

Pierce is a big reason the Ravens have allowed the fewest rush yards per game this season (50.0), slightly boosting the individual matchup for Bills running back James Cook for Sunday Night Football. The Ravens don’t currently have a depth option on the roster behind Pierce at nose tackle, making the team’s transactions on Saturday a situation to monitor ahead of Week 4.

Pierce entered the league with the Ravens as a UDFA in 2016. He spent 2021 with the Vikings after opting out of the 2020 season but has been a Raven for the rest of his lengthy career. He has started all 16 games for Baltimore this year, racking up 36 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack in the process. The veteran defender is now under contract through the 2025 season.

Pierce took a $2 million pay cut for this upcoming season, while his restructured deal frees up $2.668 million for the Ravens. The veteran defensive tackle saw his 2022 season cut short after he suffered a torn biceps in Week 3. He can earn back his money through incentives that have been worked into his deal.

The team’s site confirmed on Thursday that Pierce would undergo surgery after he reportedly explored options that would allow him to resume play at some point during the season. Rookie defensive tackle Travis Jones, who made his 2022 debut last week against the Patriots, is expected to step in to replace Pierce. Another option to replace Pierce could be free agent defensive lineman Brandon Williams, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Ravens.

Rapoport said “there is not definitive word yet on how to proceed and if Pierce can continue playing at some point this season. Those tests and decisions are ongoing.” Pierce was carted off the field in Week 3 against the Patriots after suffering the injury. He would seem to be out for at least a few weeks. Pierce has six tackles this season.

Pierce was escorted off the field via the cart but was ruled as questionable to return before eventually being ruled out. We still don’t have much information on the severity of Pierce’s injury.