Ravens Lose Rookie Linebacker Chandler Martin to ACL Injury After Thanksgiving Defeat

The Baltimore Ravens’ Thanksgiving night defeat in Cincinnati was costly in more ways than one. Their 32-14 loss dropped them to 6-6 and likely ended the season for rookie linebacker Chandler Martin, a setback that hits a defense already struggling with consistency and depth. The injury came at a time when the Ravens were beginning to stabilize, making it an especially harsh blow.

Martin, an undrafted free agent, had just started carving out a role for himself. He appeared in three games, recording five tackles and gradually seeing an increased snap count. Those promising signs came to an abrupt halt on Thursday night after he suffered a knee injury in Cincinnati.

Initial reports indicated Martin would land on season-ending injured reserve, a concern that was later confirmed by the NFL. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Martin tore his ACL and will require surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

For a young player trying to prove himself, the timing could not be worse. Martin’s injury forces the Ravens to reconfigure their linebacker rotation with just five regular-season games remaining, adding yet another challenge to a team already battling injuries and uneven play on defense.

1. Martin’s Role and Development

Martin joined the Ravens as a developmental piece but quickly became a contributor on special teams and as rotational depth on the second level. Despite his limited experience, his early snaps suggested he was earning the trust of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. The rookie’s absence leaves a gap in the linebacker rotation. Baltimore now must consider promoting from the practice squad or exploring waiver options to fill the void, though no replacement will have the familiarity with the system or the growing rapport with teammates that Martin had begun to develop. Even as a rotational player, Martin’s contributions were meaningful. His presence allowed the Ravens to mix personnel and give starters brief relief, particularly on a defense that had been stretched thin by injuries at the front and inconsistent play from veterans. Losing a young linebacker like Martin is more than just a numbers issue; it also affects the team’s ability to maintain continuity on defense. Each adjustment increases the burden on the remaining linebackers, many of whom are already tasked with playing extended snaps.

2. Ravens’ Ongoing Struggles

The Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals only amplified questions about Baltimore’s identity this season. The Ravens turned the ball over five times, a performance that reinforced doubts about whether the team can contend in a tough AFC. With a 6-6 record, the Ravens are now fighting to remain relevant in a competitive division. Martin’s injury removes a contributor who could have helped provide stability, especially in critical situations on defense. Fans and analysts alike have voiced concerns about whether Baltimore is capable of sustaining a playoff push or if it is simply a mirage among the league’s contenders. Injuries to developing players like Martin only tighten the margin for error and make upcoming games even more precarious. Even beyond the standings, the loss of Martin has implications for the Ravens’ long-term planning. How the team adjusts and integrates replacements over the final five games may offer clues about the depth and readiness of their roster for future seasons.

3. Looking Ahead

Baltimore’s remaining schedule offers little respite, with tough matchups looming in the final stretch. The team must now navigate these contests without a promising young linebacker who had begun contributing on multiple fronts. Coaches will have to adjust schemes, rotate personnel differently, and rely more heavily on veterans to cover gaps created by Martin’s absence. While the injury may not dominate national headlines, its impact on the Ravens’ defensive strategy is significant. The setback also provides an opportunity for other young players to step into meaningful roles, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate depth and readiness under pressure. How these replacements perform could influence offseason decisions and roster construction for the future. Despite the loss, Baltimore remains motivated to compete in its remaining games, both to protect its reputation and to continue developing younger players like the backups who will now be asked to step up.