Nate Wiggins Avoids Major Injury After Being Carted Off Field

The Baltimore Ravens weathered a tense moment during their 11th training camp practice when cornerback Nate Wiggins went down hard during a one-on-one drill. The incident occurred as Wiggins tracked a slightly overthrown deep ball down the left sideline while defending rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.

Both players became tangled as they fought for position, sending Wiggins crashing to the turf in visible pain. Athletic trainers rushed to the field immediately, tending to the defender’s left leg and knee before calling for a medical cart. Witnesses reported that Wiggins was unable to put any weight on his left leg as he was loaded onto the cart and driven indoors, casting an immediate shadow over the session.

MRI Results and Immediate Relief for the Ravens Secondary

Despite initial fears of a severe setback, subsequent medical testing offered a sigh of relief. Following an MRI examination, team sources indicated that the 22-year-old cornerback avoided a major injury. While he could remain sidelined for a brief period, team expectations point toward a return to the field.

The scare hit the organization hard given Wiggins’ trajectory. Selected 30th overall out of Clemson in the 2024 NFL Draft, the corner started all 17 games in 2025, racking up 76 combined tackles, three interceptions, and 14 passes defended. He also underwent groin surgery during the offseason and had expressed excitement about entering training camp feeling fully healthy for the first time in his young career.

“We don’t have a ton of information on that yet,” Minter said following the practice. “We’ll kind of get it looked at and see where it’s at.”

Jesse Minter, first-year head coach

First-year head coach Jesse Minter addressed reporters shortly after the session wrapped up, noting that the team was awaiting a thorough evaluation. Minter also acknowledged the competitive nature of the play that led to the collision, stating that there was really not much between the two guys in the play, so whether it was hitting the ground or whatever it was, we’ll see what it looks like.

Depth Chart Options and Roster Adjustments in Baltimore

An extended absence for Wiggins would test the depth of a secondary that enters the 2026 NFL season carrying high expectations. Baltimore’s defensive plans feature man-to-man coverage schemes that rely on Wiggins’ length and speed on the outside. Without him, the team would look to four-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey alongside veteran Chidobe Awuzie, who re-signed with the club after logging 86 career starts.

Younger reserves are also poised to step into expanded roles should the coaching staff need to manage rotations. T.J. Tampa, a fourth-round pick in 2024, has enjoyed a standout camp and was already pushing for regular snaps, alongside developing prospects Keyon Martin, Bilhal Kone, and rookie fifth-round selection Chandler Rivers. Minter expressed confidence in the group’s overall readiness.

“Nate Wiggins is a high-caliber, first-round pick corner — a great player,” Minter said. “You’re not just going to say, ‘Oh, everything’s the same,’ whatever, because it’s built around the talents of the players. I just know that we’ll be able to do things, however it shakes out. I feel good about the secondary.”

Jesse Minter, first-year head coach

Preseason Opener Approaches Without Star Quarterback

As the medical staff monitors Wiggins’ recovery, the Ravens prepare to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium for their preseason opener. Minter confirmed that quarterback Lamar Jackson and other established veterans will sit out the contest, continuing a multi-year trend for Jackson during August exhibitions.

Tuesday’s practice also saw positive movement elsewhere on the roster, with wide receiver Zay Flowers returning to action following a brief absence due to a quad contusion, alongside returning participants Keyon Martin and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles.