Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun has reported the MRI on Lardarius Webb’s left knee confirmed a tear of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The injury comes as a major blow to the Ravens stable of cornerbacks, who aside from Webb, has struggled throughout the season.
In his forth season; Webb has now suffered his second-career ACL tear. During his impressive rookie campaign, Webb tore his right ACL, in a Week 15 matchup versus the Chicago Bears while covering a punt.
Webb earned himself a six-year, $50 million contract extension this past offseason, which paid him $20 million guaranteed. The Ravens made a significant investment in one of the best cornerbacks in the league and losing him to his second knee injury is a devastating blow.
2013 will be the earliest Webb returns to an NFL field and his speed will have to be in question after undergoing surgery for devastating injuries to both of his knees.
Throughout the first six weeks of this season, Webb has only recorded 25 tackles, which is a testament to opposing quarterbacks respecting his talent and not trying to force a ball to whichever receiver he is matched up against.
Last week, Webb recorded his first interception of the season in a 9-6 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and he also forced a fumble during the Ravens Week 2 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Needless to say, the mounting struggles of the Ravens defense make Webb’s absence even more untimely as Dean Pees’ unit could go from bad to worse.
The Ravens will replace Webb with 2010 first-round pick, Jimmy Smith and in nickel formations, it’s likely that Corey Graham will get the nod as Webb was routinely brought inside to cover the slot receiver.
