OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens came off the bye week receiving frightening news about inside linebacker Malik Harrison that could have been much worse.
The team announced the 23-year-old sustained a “non-life-threatening” injury after being struck in the left calf by a stray bullet in Cleveland on Sunday night. The organization said Harrison — an Ohio native and former Ohio State standout — was attending a gathering and received medical care at a local hospital before returning to Baltimore on Monday. According to the Associated Press, the police report indicated Harrison was shot outside a downtown nightclub after a fight had broken out.
Harrison was placed on the non-football injury list, but he’s eligible to return after a minimum three-game absence.
“I don’t think it’s severe at all. They’re in the process of getting it checked out with the [team] doctors,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “I haven’t heard back on that report yet, but it was in the lower leg I think. I’m optimistic that it’s going to be OK. I feel bad for the situation. I’m happy that he’s OK. I’m very grateful that he’s OK and not hurt worse. Anything can happen. It’s just a tough situation.”
Since starting the first five games of the season, Harrison has seen his playing time decline with veteran Josh Bynes moving into the starting lineup and 2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen shifting to the weak-side inside linebacker spot. Harrison played a season-low 11 defensive snaps in the Week 7 loss to Cincinnati, but the Ravens will need to replace his heavy presence on special teams. Baltimore still has inside linebackers Chris Board and Kristian Welch on the 53-man roster to back up Bynes and Queen.
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Harrison has 22 tackles in seven games this year after collecting 44 tackles and a pass breakup in 16 games as a rookie last season.
The Ravens also terminated the contract of blocking tight end Eric Tomlinson and immediately re-signed the 29-year-old to the practice squad. That would appear to be a promising sign for the availability of tight end Nick Boyle, who was designated to return to practice from injured reserve on Oct. 20. Tomlinson has appeared in all seven games despite not registering a catch.
Baltimore also placed offensive tackle Andre Smith on the practice squad injured reserve on Monday.
Asked about the status of Boyle (knee), running back Latavius Murray (ankle), wide receiver Sammy Watkins (hamstring), and defensive end Derek Wolfe (back) for Sunday’s game against Minnesota, Harbaugh said they “all have a chance” to play in Week 9.
“Whether they make it or not is up in the air,” Harbaugh said. “And it really is up in the air, so it’s perfect for me.”
