Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington has reportedly suffered a torn Achilles during conditioning, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
It's a brutal blow for a player coming off a breakout season and who was expected to have a major role in Baltimore's defense again.
Washington signed his one-year restricted free agent tender on April 21 and is one of the team's top three safeties along with Kyle Hamilton and first-round pick Malaki Starks. Washington's versatility to play safety or nickel cornerback was going to help the trio keep offenses guessing.
Washington, 25, stepped into the starting lineup midway through last season and helped stabilize the Ravens' secondary next to Hamilton. A formerly undrafted player, Washington was one of the season's best stories and defense's most impactful players.
Playing bigger than his 5-foot-8 size, Washington had an interception in his second start against Denver, forced a key fumble in a 12-tackle performance against Pittsburgh, and made a goal-line fourth-down tackle in Houston.
This wouldn't be the first time Washington would have to overcome a major injury. He suffered a season-ending foot injury during his rookie season, then suffered a chest injury in Week 2 of the 2023 season that sidelined him for nearly the whole year.
The Ravens do have insurance with Starks primed to be a significant early contributor and likely starter. Baltimore also has rising second-year safeties Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, and the reported injury could push the Ravens to make a veteran addition.
