Kenneth Dixon to miss entire 2017 season with meniscus tear

Earlier today it was reported that Kenneth Dixon had torn his meniscus, but the severity was not yet known as he had not yet undergone surgery. Now, post-surgery, our worst fears were confirmed, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Per Rapoport’s report, Dixon will miss the entire 2017 season with the meniscus injury. He had to have the meniscus totally repaired today, it was not just trimmed.

This is an absolutely brutal blow to the Ravens offense. Dixon was already slated to miss the first four weeks of the season due to a suspension, but was going to be the key cog in the running game upon his return. Now, with Dixon expected to miss the entire season, the Ravens will have to replace his production for much longer than initially expected.

Dixon’s injury is the next in a slew of major injuries that have plagued the Ravens in the lead up to the 2017 season. Tavon Young is expected to miss the year with an ACL tear, and Dennis Pitta was released after re-injuring his hip.

While not in the same tier talent-wise as Dixon, the Bobby Rainey signing earlier in the day proves to be a huge get for the Ravens. The depth that Rainey provides could be crucial, especially if the running back corps suffers another injury (knock on wood). This injury also gives undrafted free agent running back Taquan Mizzell an increased chance to make the 53-man roster.

All in all, this injury is heartbreaking for Dixon, who showed flashes of being a star running back last season. Not only is it heartbreaking for Dixon, but it’s heartbreaking for the Ravens offense, which had hoped for big production from the second year man. Terrance West will now be relied on more than originally expected to help the Ravens running game improve from a year before, and we will see more of Danny Woodhead catching passes out of the backfield. Losing Dixon is not a blow that ends the Ravens hopes of making the playoffs, but it sure dampens the potential of the team’s offense.