Kyle Van Noy Suffers Devastating Injury
Kyle Van Noy of the Baltimore Ravens has sustained an injury. In Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, during Baltimore’s 41-17 win over the Cleveland Browns, Van Noy suffered a hamstring injury. He left the game early in the second quarter and did not return. He will miss “multiple games” as the Ravens evaluate the severity of the injury. An injury like this is not a sudden or isolated concern: given that hamstring injuries often carry a risk of aggravation, the Ravens are likely to be cautious in their approach.
Kyle Van Noy’s Role Before the Injury
To appreciate what the injury means, you have to understand what Van Noy has meant to the Ravens lately. He’s not just another pass rusher; he’s been one of Baltimore’s most consistent edge threats. In 2024, Van Noy led the team with 12.5 sacks, which ranked among the top in the league.
It was also his first Pro Bowl appearance. That season, he combined pressure, pass-rush success, quarterback hits, and veteran leadership. In the first two games of 2025, even though he wasn’t fully rolling like last year, he had four tackles and two quarterback hits before the injury. So while he wasn’t at full throttle, Van Noy’s presence on the defensive front is one the Ravens rely on heavily, both schematically and psychologically, for the rest of the defense.
What the Ravens Face Without Him
Losing Van Noy, especially for more than one game, creates a sizable hole in Baltimore’s pass rush and defensive identity—a few implications include an increased load on backups and younger edge rushers. Names like Odafe Oweh, Mike Green (the 2025 second-round pick), and Tavius Robinson are now going to see more snaps. Mike Green, in particular, got an elevated role last game when Van Noy exited.
Pass rush threats change without Van Noy; opposing teams know there is less outside edge pressure. Baltimore’s coaching staff (led by John Harbaugh and defensive coaches) will need to tweak who rushes from where, possibly more stunts or blitzes from inside, to make up for lost edge rush. It may force them to rely more on rotation to avoid overburdening depth players. Van Noy isn’t just productive; he’s a leader. His injury can have a significant impact on his confidence, especially early in the season. The Ravens will have to manage both the physical absence and the emotional one.
Prognosis and What To Watch For
Currently, there is no fixed timetable. “Multiple games” is vague. How quickly his hamstring responds in rehab will be key. Given his age (34) and history, the Ravens likely won’t rush him back. Hamstrings are funky. If you try to push too fast, you pay later. Watch to see if Van Noy clears all tests (strength, flexibility, and functional movement) before returning. If he doesn’t, there’s a risk of setbacks.
Who steps up will be a big question mark. Mike Green is the obvious option. If Green or Robinson shows they can produce sacks, pressures, and set the edge, that not only helps win now but might also change how the Ravens rotate Van Noy later. Another issue to watch for is matchups during his absence, particularly with big games ahead, such as the Monday Night matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 3. How will Baltimore defend without Van Noy? That’s a test of depth and coaching.
Conclusion
The news surrounding Van Noy’s injury is concerning for the Ravens. He is not just productive; he was foundational in their defensive success last season. A hamstring injury early in a game, leading to multiple missed games, is the kind of setback that can challenge a team’s defensive rhythm and performance. That said, there is reason for cautious optimism; Van Noy is a veteran and well-conditioned, and the Ravens have shown in the past that they can adapt. If the backups proceed smoothly and the recovery goes well, this might become a minor setback rather than a derailment.
