Ravens Rookie Vega Ioane Suffers MCL Sprain Because Baltimore Can't Have Nice Things

The Baltimore Ravens' offensive line just lost its best rookie, because apparently the football gods have decided this team hasn't suffered enough.

First-round guard Vega Ioane suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's 35-13 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Ian Rapoport, the injury is considered short-term, but the standout rookie is still going to miss some time.

"Ian Rapoport reported the injury is considered short-term, though Ioane will miss a little time."

Losing Ioane right now is a brutal blow for a Baltimore offense that is already operating on backup power. Before his knee bent the wrong way, Ioane was putting on a masterclass. He has allowed exactly zero sacks across 163 pass-blocking snaps this season, posting a 4.9 percent pressure rate that leads all qualifying NFL rookies.

That kind of production is hard to replace on a normal day, but the Ravens are currently living in a medical tent. Baltimore recently had 11 starters on the injury report, and they are already trying to survive without Lamar Jackson, who is sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

Throwing backup quarterback Tyler Huntley behind a reshuffled offensive line is the kind of recipe that makes opposing pass rushers smile and live-bettors smash the under on Baltimore's team total. You cannot scheme your way out of missing your franchise quarterback and your most reliable interior blocker at the same time.

The only silver lining here is that Ioane avoided a season-ending tear. But until he gets back on the field, the Ravens are going to have to duct-tape their protection plan together and pray Huntley has eyes in the back of his head.