John Harbaugh says Ravens’ rookie CB Nate Wiggins was ‘in a car accident,’ will miss Week 2

Sep 13, 2024 at 6:40 PM

Nate Wiggins' Injury Setback: Ravens Cornerback Sidelined After Car Accident

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, the team's first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been ruled out for Week 2 after being involved in a car accident earlier this week. Head coach John Harbaugh announced the news on Friday, providing details on Wiggins' condition and the impact on the team's upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Navigating the Unexpected: Ravens Cornerback Faces Injury Hurdle

Accident Sidelines Promising Rookie Cornerback

The news of Nate Wiggins' injury comes as a setback for the Ravens, who were eager to see their first-round draft pick in action during the regular season. Wiggins, a standout cornerback from Clemson, was expected to play a significant role in the team's secondary this year. However, the car accident he was involved in earlier this week has resulted in a neck injury that will keep him out of the team's Week 2 matchup against the Raiders.According to Harbaugh, Wiggins is "fine" and "healthy," but the injury sustained in the accident will prevent him from suiting up on Sunday. The head coach emphasized that the accident occurred a couple of days ago, indicating that Wiggins missed Thursday's practice due to the neck issue.

Wiggins' Promising Debut and the Impact of His Absence

In Week 1, Wiggins made his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs, playing 17 defensive snaps and 11 special teams snaps. While he did not start the game, his performance was solid, providing a glimpse of the potential that made him the Ravens' first-round selection.Wiggins' absence in Week 2 will undoubtedly be felt by the Ravens' defense. The team will need to adjust its secondary rotation and find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by the injured rookie. This setback could also impact Wiggins' development and integration into the team's defensive schemes, as he will miss valuable game experience and practice time.

Harbaugh's Optimism and the Road to Recovery

Despite the unfortunate timing of the injury, Harbaugh expressed optimism about Wiggins' recovery timeline. The head coach indicated that the rookie cornerback is not likely to miss too much time due to the accident, suggesting that the injury may not be as severe as initially feared.This news will provide some relief to the Ravens organization and their fans, who were eager to see Wiggins make a significant impact this season. The team's medical staff will work diligently to ensure Wiggins' safe and timely return to the field, allowing him to continue his development and contribute to the team's defensive efforts.As the Ravens prepare to face the Raiders, they will need to rely on their depth and adaptability in the secondary to compensate for Wiggins' absence. The team's coaching staff and players will undoubtedly rally around their injured teammate, ensuring that he receives the necessary support and care during his recovery process.