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The Ravens announced on Tuesday that they have placed defensive tackle Willie Henry on injured reserve, ending his season. Guard Jermaine Eluemunor has been promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
We have activated G Jermaine Eluemunor from the practice squad to the active roster. pic.twitter.com/g841SBJ3L6
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2018
Henry emerged last season as possibly the team’s best interior pass rusher. He was pegged by many as a breakout candidate entering 2018. Unfortunately, Henry required surgery on a Hernia, causing him to miss the first four weeks of the season. After three games back, his third season is now over. Henry had three tackles and a sack in those three games.
Baltimore’s top ranked defense will certainly miss Henry’s presence in the middle, but they have the depth to handle his loss. Second-year player Chris Wormley has really upped his game this year and Michael Pierce, Brent Urban and Brandon Williams are as stout as ever up front. It is an unfortunate end to a promising season for Henry, however.
Update: It is now being reported that Henry suffered a back injury against the New Orleans Saints last week, leading to him being placed on injured reserve.
Sounds like DT Willie Henry sustained a back injury in Sunday’s loss to Saints. That’s what’s necessitating him going on IR.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 23, 2018
To fill Henry’s spot on the roster, the Ravens promoted second-year guard Jermaine Eluemunor from the practice squad. Eluemunor, drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, started two games for Baltimore in his rookie season. Eluemunor initially made the final roster this season before being cut and signed to the practice squad after two games.
This was a necessary move considering the multitude of injuries the Ravens offensive line is dealing with currently. Guard Alex Lewis suffered a pinched nerve in Week 6 and is out for the foreseeable future. Tackle/guard James Hurst missed last week’s game with a back injury and guard/center Bradley Bozeman fought through a calf injury against New Orleans.
If none of the above mentioned players are able to suit up on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, then either Eluemunor or Hroniss Grassu, who relieved Bozeman on several plays last week, will start at left guard.