Last night, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the Washington Redskins in the first preseason game of the 2017 season. The Ravens found success in their first real game scenario of the offseason, defeating the Redskins 23-3, with many offensive starters sitting the game. However, the good feelings left over from a strong outing are now over, as the Ravens have announced two additional injuries, both season ending, to players who were looking to make an impact in 2017. The Ravens injury news continues to pile up for Baltimore, but even in times of disappointment, there is hope for the team.

The Ravens announced today that both second-year guard Alex Lewis, and rookie wide receiver Tim White, will be out for the season. Both players will require surgery in the near future. Lewis has sustained a torn labrum, while White has an apparent thumb injury. Both players will miss the entirety of the 2017 season. For Lewis and White, this is a major let down, as both were looking to make an impact this season. Lewis was set to start at left guard for the Ravens, but with this new injury, he will be unable to. The Ravens now have Jarrod Pughsley set to start at left guard, but the young and inexperienced player may have a very short tenure as the presumptive starter. The Ravens can explore other options, whether it be through a trade or free agency. With Nick Mangold still on the market, and Jeremy Zuttah back up for availability, the Ravens can for sure find an interior offensive lineman quickly. For White, his injury ends an offseason of hype. White was the training camp star that the Ravens thought could make the team, and potentially start as a return man. However, with him out for the season, Baltimore will now have to turn to another player. Although the situation is unfortunate, Keenan Reynolds could find himself in a better position because of it. The two were competing for the same positions, (wide receiver and return man). Again, although the injury is unfortunate, this could make the decision for Baltimore somewhat easier. White could also find himself back on the team next season, should he be placed on the injury reserve, or be released and signed back to the squad next season.

In other Ravens injury news, Joe Flacco is set to return to practice in the near future but will be held out of the remaining preseason games. This was completely expected, as Baltimore does not want to unnecessarily risk their franchise quarterback’s health for a preseason game. Flacco is coming off of a back issue, where he was experiencing some stiffness. The team decided it was best to take it slow on his recovery, thus resulting in him missing all of training camp up until this point. There is no exact date for when Flacco will return to practice, but one has to assume it is in the near future. The Ravens also said that Flacco will be ready to play for the opening game September 10, against the Cincinnati Bengals.