Ravens DE Calais Campbell expected to miss multiple weeks with calf strain

The Baltimore Ravens were already without their best defensive player in All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey due to COVID-19 when they took the field to face Indianapolis on Sunday and on the first drive of the game, they lost their second-best for the remainder of the contest when veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell went down with a leg injury.

The Pro Bowl defensive end was able to walk off the field under his own power and was cited in uniform on the sideline for the rest of the game but never returned to action.

“It’s a calf strain of some kind, it’s not serious,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said postgame. “We’ll just have to see how long it is.”

On Monday, we got an answer or at least an estimation of how long Campbell might be out of commission. While it isn’t serious or season-ending, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, there was no structural damage, but he will miss anywhere from two-four weeks.

Campbell is a four-time Pro Bowler who is just as dominant defending the run as he is at rushing the passer. Not having him available was noticeable in Sunday’s game and will be a significant blow to Baltimore’s defense while he’s out.

He leads the team in sacks with four and is tied for the lead in pass deflections with six which is an incredible feat for a down lineman considering they predominately rush the passer and rarely drop into coverage.

Campbell’s ability to affect the passing game also includes knowing just when and where to get his big mitts up into passing lanes to bat balls down and collapsing the pocket with tremendous interior pressure.

The 13-year vet has been very durable throughout his career and hasn’t missed a game since 2014. He will still be able to be a leader in the locker room while he recovers, but his leadership on the field will be sorely missed.

Campbell helps motivate his fellow defenders when he’s on the field and inspires them to raise their game by dominating play after play. He also sets his teammates up for success by occupying multiple blockers which gives them one on one opportunities and sometimes even free rushes to opposing quarterbacks without or hardly being touched on twists and stunts.

Against Indianapolis, the Ravens turned to a rotation of Brandon Williams, Derek Wolfe, Justin Ellis, and rookie Justin Madubuike to offset the loss of Campbell. They were still able to have a great day on defense without their veteran leader and will need to continue to step until he returns.