Deonte Harty is set to miss at least the next four games. Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters that the receiver/returner will be placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Harty has been dealing with a knee issue for several weeks. The injury forced him to miss Baltimore’s Week 5 contest, but the special teams ace managed to return in Week 6. Now, Harty will be out until at least Week 11. Fortunately, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, as Harbaugh told reporters that the former All-Pro return man is expected back this season.
The former UDFA made a name for himself as a rookie in New Orleans, earning All-Pro recognition after leading the NFL in punt returns (36) and punt return yards (338). Harty ultimately spent four seasons with the Saints, including 2020 and 2021 campaigns where he had a combined 56 receptions. He spent the 2023 season with the Bills, where he had 15 receptions while also returning 26 punts.
Harty caught on with the Ravens back in April and was quickly tasked with guiding their return game. In five appearances, the 26-year-old has returned four kickoffs for 98 yards and eight punts for 85 yards. He’s only seen time on six offensive snaps. With Harty sidelined, the team could turn to some combination of Justice Hill, Tylan Wallace, and practice-squad RB Chris Collier to lead their return game.