Ravens’ Safety Matt Elam Out For Season

The Baltimore Ravens’ embattled secondary has taken its first blow much sooner than expected this season, with news confirming that safety Matt Elam has suffered a complete biceps tear during training camp, placing the third-year defensive back on the season-ending injured reserve list.

Since being picked late in the first round by the Super Bowl-winning Ravens in the 2013 NFL Draft, Elam has to date failed to live up to expectations set during his stellar college career.

In two professional seasons, Elam has amassed only half a sack, one pick, one forced fumble and seven successfully defended passes.

Despite the likelihood that Elam would not make the starting team anyway, it’s always tough to hear of such severe injuries in training camp, particularly when they affect a young, healthy player with intentions of making up for the slow start to his career.

Already into the third year of his four-year rookie contract, it’s possible the Ravens will try to trade Elam before next season, effectively declaring the pick a bust and cutting their losses.

As for 2015, Will Hill is expected to earn the starting role at strong safety. Following a patchy career with the New York Giants and a stint in the Arena Football League, Hill joined the Ravens in 2014, playing surprisingly well in a rollercoaster season that included a six-game suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy and a Drew Brees pick-six in the Superdome.