The Baltimore Ravens built up their defensive line depth during the 2022 offseason. They brought in multiple new faces, and did their best to make sure they could withstand injuries.
In Week 3 defensive lineman Michael Pierce left the game against the New England Patriots with an arm injury and had to be carted off of the field. On Wednesday, head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Pierce tore his biceps, and laid out what decision Pierce has to make as he weighs whether to have season-ending surgery or play through it.
Coach Harbaugh on Michael Pierce’s status: pic.twitter.com/aC7nqcUc8J
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2022
“He did tear his biceps. He’s making a decision now whether he wants to get it repaired, which would put him out for the season, or play with it and get the surgery after the season. It’s going to be his decision; I haven’t heard a final word on that yet. Either way, there’s logic to it either way. So, it will be Mike [Michael Pierce]’s decision on that.”
It’s a devastating diagnosis for Pierce, who was having an extremely strong start to the 2022 season as both a run defender and an interior pass rusher. If the veteran does opt for the season-ending surgery route, young players such as Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington and Travis Jones will have to step up in his absence.