BALTIMORE — Baltimore Ravens tight end Durham Smythe will miss the remainder of the season after an MRI confirmed a torn Achilles suffered in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. Smythe sustained the injury after 18 offensive snaps and did not return, visibly limping and struggling to get to the sideline under his own power.
Smythe, 31, signed a one-year deal this offseason to fill a depth role after Baltimore lost multiple players at the position in free agency. The nine-year veteran came from Chicago and was a natural fit in Declan Doyle's offense given his experience in the system, logging over 100 offensive snaps prior to Week 4 as a versatile blocker. While not a receiving factor for Baltimore, his blocking specialty and snap share anchored the depth chart.
Baltimore will now need to backfill that role behind Mark Andrews. Rookie tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas are likely to take on bigger roles, with both having flashed receiving upside through four games but needing to quickly mature as blockers in the run game and pass protection. The Ravens may also look to acquire another veteran free agent or make a trade to further supplement the tight end room.
Smythe was one of several Ravens lost in Week 4, a group that includes Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey and Andrew Vorhees. The injuries come just a week after centers Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic were placed on injured reserve, and Trey Hendrickson missed Sunday with a finger injury. The mounting absences will continue to challenge Jesse Minter's roster in the coming weeks.