Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce underwent season-ending arm surgery Thursday, four days after he tore his biceps in the team’s Week 3 win over the New England Patriots.
Coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Pierce was still uncertain whether he would undergo surgery or play through the injury this season. But on Thursday, Pierce shared on Instagram that he’d decided to have his arm repaired, and he was placed on injured reserve later that afternoon. He missed 11 games last season with the Minnesota Vikings, mostly with elbow and triceps injuries.
Pierce is the fourth Raven to suffer a season-ending injury in the season’s first three weeks. The defense also lost cornerback Kyle Fuller (torn ACL) in Week 1 and outside linebacker Steven Means (torn Achilles tendon) in Week 2. Left tackle Ja’Wuan James (torn Achilles tendon) was sidelined in the season opener.
Pierce, who started his career in Baltimore and returned this offseason on a three-year, $16.5 million contract, was expected to anchor the middle of the Ravens’ run defense. His injury deals another blow to an underperforming unit; the Ravens are allowing 5 yards per carry (tied for sixth worst in the NFL) and rank 23rd in run defense efficiency, according to Football Outsiders.
With Pierce unavailable, the Ravens will have to lean more on tackles Broderick Washington and Travis Jones, a third-round pick in this year’s draft. Practice squad player Isaiah Mack could also join the line’s rotation.
Also missing at practice Thursday were left tackle Patrick Mekari (ankle) and outside linebacker Justin Houston (groin). Both left Sunday’s win with injuries and did not participate in Wednesday’s workout.
This story may be updated.
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