Ravens second-year safety DeShon Elliott is likely out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, coach John Harbaugh said at his Monday news conference, another blow to an already depleted secondary.
Elliott was injured on the Cincinnati Bengals’ final drive Sunday. With less than three minutes remaining in the Ravens’ 23-17 win, his knee crashed into cornerback Justin Bethel along the Ravens sideline while attempting to break up a pass to wide receiver Alex Erickson.
Elliott played 27 defensive snaps (44% of total) on Sunday, by far a career high, and 18 on special teams (72%). He has six tackles and one pass defense this season.
A sixth-round draft pick out of Texas, Elliott also missed all of his rookie season after suffering a fractured forearm in the 2018 preseason. In his absence, special teams ace Anthony Levine Sr.'s defensive snap share could increase. The Ravens could also rely more on linebackers in coverage.
Two Ravens defensive backs are already lost for the season, and another’s missed significant time. Slot cornerback Tavon Young (neck) and safety Tony Jefferson (knee) are both out for the rest of the year, and cornerback Jimmy Smith injured his knee in Week 1 and has not yet returned.