Ravens tight end Durham Smythe reportedly suffered a torn Achilles in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans, which would sideline him for the rest of the season.
On Monday, Head Coach Jesse Minter there was "nothing concrete yet" as the team continued to get medical evaluations, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday afternoon that an MRI confirmed the tear.
Smythe caught just one pass for four yards so far this season, but his value was mostly as a blocker. He played 50% of Baltimore's offensive snaps through the first four games of the regular season.
Ravens Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle advocated for signing Smythe during free agency, as the two were together last season with the Chicago Bears. Smythe helped his teammates with learning the new system and was an important cog in the offensive operation.
"I think Durham has done a great job with our offense and coming over really with 'Dec,' I would say," Minter said. "Having the knowledge and being a problem solver on the field, being a guy that can line up in a bunch of different spots within the blocking schemes and the pass schemes, his value has certainly been good."
The Ravens' tight ends are led by Mark Andrews and the team may have to lean more on rookies Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas. The Ravens also have 6-foot-6 veteran tight Nick Vannett, who is also known mostly for his blocking, on their practice squad.
"We have a deep room there. We have a bunch of guys, and it may be an opportunity for somebody else," Minter said.
"I think there are pinpointed spots where you need a guy that could be ready to play at the drop of a hat. And so again, I feel confident in all those guys, Nick being one of them, whose opportunity could show up."
