Baltimore Ravens linebacker L.J. Fort. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens fear linebacker L.J. Fort suffered season-ending knee injury against Panthers

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/22/21

Baltimore Ravens linebacker L.J. Fort exited Saturday's game against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter due to a knee injury, and the initial prognosis is not good.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec, the Ravens fear that Fort suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

Had L.J. Fort in the "close to a lock" department. Now, the Ravens fear he has a season-ending ACL injury, a tough blow for a versatile and valuable player.
His injury does open door for another ILB (Kristian Welch?) or an outside addition https://t.co/p5rCebSeOM
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 22, 2021

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters after Saturday's 20-3 win that the injury "doesn't look good," according to Pro Football Talk.

Fort has been with the Ravens since 2019. In 14 games last season, he recorded two pass breakups, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 53 tackles, two tackles for a loss and one quarterback hit.

The 31-year-old entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. He has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks.

Fort's injury pushes Otaro Alaka up the depth chart. The Ravens could also opt to sign another linebacker before Week 1. Avery Williamson, B.J. Goodson and Reuben Foster are among several linebackers still available on the open market.

More must-reads: