The Ravens’ victory over the Chargers on Monday night came at a steep cost, as tight end Charlie Kolar is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a broken arm. The injury, sustained early in the fourth quarter, didn’t stop Kolar from finishing the game, showcasing remarkable toughness before undergoing X-rays that confirmed the break.
Kolar’s resilience is commendable, but his absence presents a challenge for Baltimore. While not a statistical standout, Kolar has been a key contributor to the Ravens’ offense, often taking on a significant run-blocking role and playing in up to half of the team’s offensive snaps in certain games. His efforts have been instrumental in facilitating scoring drives, making his absence a notable blow to the Ravens’ versatile offensive scheme.
Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the injury during a press conference, confirming that Kolar would head to injured reserve. “We’re going to put another guy out there. That’s how we’ll handle it,” Harbaugh stated, signaling the team’s intention to fill the vacancy rather than reshuffling their offensive structure.
The Ravens, known for utilizing multiple tight ends under Lamar Jackson’s leadership, still have Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Patrick Ricard available. However, depth remains a concern. Currently, the team has Zaire Mitchell-Paden on the practice squad, but he has limited NFL experience. Another recent addition is Scotty Washington, who spent time with the Ravens during training camp and on the practice squad last year. Between the two, they’ve appeared in just one NFL game combined, highlighting the team’s thin resources at the position.
This injury underscores how critical Kolar’s role had become in the Ravens’ offense, even as a third tight end. His ability to adapt to the run-blocking role and contribute when needed has made him a valuable asset. While Harbaugh’s confidence in the remaining roster is evident, replacing Kolar’s consistency and experience will undoubtedly be a challenge in the weeks ahead.
