Baltimore Ravens rookie had a thrilling, roller-coaster preseason debut that ended with a thud

Scott Davis

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Baltimore Ravens rookie had a thrilling, roller-coaster preseason debut that ended with a thud image

The Baltimore Ravens certainly saw what they were hoping for from rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins. It just didn't last very long.

The Ravens selected the Clemson cornerback with the 30th overall pick in this year's draft. Wiggins was immediately heralded as a quintessential Ravens pick — long, fast, explosive, tough, with a knack for getting the ball.

After a solid training camp, Wiggins made his preseason debut on Friday vs. the Philadelphia Eagles and had what can only be described as a roller coaster ride. One that ended with a thud.

Wiggins shined on the first drive of the game, breaking up three passes. He swatted a short pass away from Kenny Pickett along the sidelines. Later, as the Eagles went for it on first down, Wiggins smothered receiver Joseph Ngata to deny a catch.

It was a dazzling first NFL drive for Wiggins.

For the night, Wiggins only allowed two catches for 16 yards, but one of them was a touchdown. On that play, Wiggins failed to close on Eagles running back Will Shipley, who ran into the end zone untouched.

Wiggins look poised to make up for any mistakes in the second half. On the first drive of the second half, Wiggins had a drive-ending stop when he made a diving tackle on a screen to set up fourth down.

Unfortunately, Wiggins injured his shoulder on the play. He was taken to the Ravens medical tent, then walked back to the locker room with a team doctor. He didn't return.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn't have any updates on Wiggins after the game.

It is obviously a deflating result for Wiggins first preseason game. Wiggins injury could also leave what looked like a deep secondary suddenly a little thin at cornerback. Wiggins was only third on the Ravens depth chart, but they also lost cornerback Arthur Maulet, who has a knee injury that may keep him out through the first month of the season.

The Ravens also drafted cornerback T.J. Tampa in the fourth round, but he is yet to suit up because of a sports hernia.

Baltimore will surely be hoping that Wiggins' injury isn't long-term, as they look like they'll be in need of his services.

Scott Davis

Scott Davis Photo

Scott Davis covers the Knicks and Ravens on The Sporting News. He previously spent much of the last decade as a sports reporter for Business Insider, covering all sports, with a specific focus on the NBA and NFL. Follow him on Twitter/X @WScottDavis