Ravens reportedly expect Mark Ingram back for playoffs despite calf injury

Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram suffered what looked like a serious injury during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, but fortunately the news has all been positive since he left the field.

While the initial fear was that Ingram suffered a torn Achilles, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters after his team’s 31-15 win that there was no structural damage. Reports have since indicated that Ingram has a calf strain, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media says he has a good chance to return for the playoffs.

#Ravens RB Mark Ingram suffered a calf strain, source said after his MRI. The team will be cautious with the strain (or partial tear), but the hope is Ingram is back on the field for the playoffs based on the severity of the injury.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2019

From a timing standpoint, the injury could have been a lot worse. The Ravens secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC with their win over Cleveland, so they have nothing to play for in Week 17. That means Ingram will have three full weeks to recover with Baltimore having a first-round playoff bye.

Ingram’s injury was of the non-contact variety, which is always more concerning. However, he appears to have avoided disaster. The 30-year-old has rushed for 1,018 yards on the year and scored 15 total touchdowns, so it goes without saying that the Ravens are breathing a huge sigh of relief.