The Baltimore Ravens received encouraging news Tuesday night after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported cornerback Nate Wiggins did not suffer structural damage to his injured left knee or leg.
Wiggins went down while covering rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane on a deep pass from Lamar Jackson during one-on-one drills. The 2024 first-round pick appeared to be in significant pain and could not put weight on his left leg as trainers helped him enter the team facility. Head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged after practice that he didn’t have much information while Wiggins was undergoing tests. Minter said there was optimism but declined to offer a diagnosis or timetable for his return.
The test results support that cautious optimism and allow Baltimore
to avoid the worst-case scenario involving one of its most important defenders. The Ravens have not announced how much practice time Wiggins could miss or whether he will be available when the regular season begins.
Wiggins is expected to start at outside cornerback alongside Marlon Humphrey in a secondary that also features Chidobe Awuzie, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks. T.J. Tampa, Amani Oruwariye and Bilhal Kone could receive practice snaps while Wiggins recovers. None, however, can replicate the speed and coverage ability he brings to the defense.
The sight of Wiggins leaving practice on a cart created concern. Confirmation that he avoided structural damage now provides relief for Minter, his teammates, and the organization, which expects its secondary to become one of the strengths of the defense. Further evaluation will continue.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens receive great news on Nate Wiggins’ knee injury
