The injuries will force the Baltimore Ravens to turn to new starting running back once again. With Latavius Murray being ruled for Week 7 due to sprained ankle, the Ravens are set to start veteran Devonta Freeman against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Ravens head coach John Harbaugh hinted at this decision after Thursday’s practice.
“He’s doing a nice job for us,” said Harbaugh. “He’s a downhill, explosive, accelerating-type runner with some size.”
The start against the Bengals would be the first for Freeman in almost a year. He was the last starter midway through the 2020 NFL season when he played for the New York Giants. The 29-year-old has attempted 16 rushes as a backup for Baltimore this year and has 95 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
The Ravens’ backfield has been hit hard with injuries this season, with the team losing their top three running backs, J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill, before the season even started. Despite this, Baltimore managed to find value in free agency and keep being one of the best rushing offenses in the league.
Besides relying on Freeman to start next week, the Ravens will also be able to count on former Pro Bowler Le’Veon Bell and second-year back Ty’Son Williams.
