Baltimore Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that his team would be without defensive end Calais Campbell when they face New England Patriots on Sunday.
In an injury-filled season, this might not have been big news if it didn’t also mean that Campbell’s impressive streak of 98 straight starts consecutive starts since 2014 is coming to an end. This was the second-highest active streak among defensive ends, with the 34-year-old player only trailing New Orleans Saints’ Cameron Jordan, who has 137 straight starts.
Campbell is out with a calf injury, which he suffered last week in a win against Indianapolis Colts. While the injury isn’t serious, it could keep him sidelined for multiple games, according to reports.
Baltimore acquired Calais Campbell in an offseason trade with Jacksonville Jaguars, and the five-time Pro Bowler made sure their investment paid off. Campbell was one of Ravens’ most productive players on the defense so far in the season, leading the team in sacks with 4.0 while also adding six pass deflections, 24 tackles, and 10 QB hits.
Campbell also made his impact on the locker room and has quickly earned the respect of his new teammates.
“He’s one of the all-time greats playing the defensive line, and his leadership is unmatched,” said Ravens defensive end Derek Wolfe of Campbell’s absence. “He’s the ultimate professional. I think I do have to step up.”
