Special teams are often dismissed as the least important of the three sides of football – well behind offense and defense.
But when a team has a good player on that side of the ball, it matters.
The Baltimore Ravens lost a key member of their special teams unit Sunday and will be without him for the rest of the regular season.
All-Pro kick return specialist Devin Duvernay reportedly landed on injured reserve after he suffered a back injury in the Ravens’ Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Ravens All-Pro returner Devin Duvernay suffered a back injury on Sunday and is being placed on Injured Reserve, sources say. It will not require a procedure and he should be good for the playoffs. To fill his roster spot, Baltimore signed Malik Cunningham from New England PS.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2023
Duvernay left the game in the second quarter and was replaced by Tylan Wallace.
It sounds as though Duvernay will be back in time for the Ravens’ postseason run, though.
Duvernay was an All-Pro punt returner in 2021 after he led the NFL with 13.8 yards per return.
He also made the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.
This year, Duvernay ranked third in total punt return yards and fourth in yards per return.
The Ravens as a team rank first in punt return yards and third in yards per return.
Baltimore also ranks first in starting offensive field position – perhaps the greatest indicator of special teams’ importance.
Wallace proved that when he replaced Duvernay after his electrifying 76-yard punt return in overtime won the game for the Ravens.
With that win and the Miami Dolphins’ loss, Baltimore stepped into sole possession of the AFC’s No. 1 seed and is the only team in the conference with 10 wins.
Special teams was part of that formula to the top of the AFC, and will assuredly matter down the stretch as well.
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