Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. reportedly has four broken bones in his back after taking a big hit Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Comcast Sports reporter Chick Hernandez.
UPDATE, 11:50 p.m.: Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that Smith actually broke four ribs. The Ravens have released a statement aimed at dispelling the rumors and reports regarding Smith's injury, stating that he has a back issue and that it is considered "non-surgical."
The Baltimore Ravens just traded for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Chris Givens, after Smith's injury and after putting receiver Michael Campanaro on injured reserve for a herniated disc, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
This comes as big news to the Ravens, as both their top wide receivers are now dealing with injuries. Rookie first round draft pick Breshad Perriman has been ruled out indefinitely after reinjuring his PCL during pregame warmups on Sunday. Perriman was expected to be an impact player for the Ravens, but has not been able to see the field yet this season due to injury.
With Perriman out indefinitely, and Smith reportedly breaking four bones in his back, the Ravens are looking weak at the receiver position.The Ravens were able to pull out a tight victory over the Steelers 23-20 in overtime, but without weapons it will be difficult for quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense to turn this season around.
The Ravens are trying to add to their depleted arsenal, and adding Chris Givens could provide them with a boost. Givens has 1,433 career receiving yards and is currently in his fourth season in the NFL. The Rams have rarely used Givens this season, and that is likely why they gave him away for a seventh round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Ravens don't play till Oct. 11 against AFC North rival the Cleveland Browns. With a little over a week in the new system it will be interesting to see how fast Givens is brought along in this offense. The other question will be how long it takes for Smith to recover, because without him and Perriman, it looks as though Givens and other players will have to step up quickly.
