Trenton Simpson took baby steps in 2023, hoping to replace the departed Patrick Queen at the linebacker spot opposite Roquan Smith. The former Clemson linebacker got off to a strong start, but he’s seen his play time diminish significantly over the past month.
Simpson, who started the first 13 games this season, played just five snaps in Baltimore’s 35-14 win over the Giants. In the Ravens’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1, the 2023 third-round pick logged just 22 snaps.
In the Week 13 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, he was on the field for 30 snaps.
On Monday, head coach John Harbaugh gave some insight into Simpson’s lack of playing time.
Harbaugh said they are hoping to take some pressure of ILB Trenton Simpson, who didn’t play until late in the game yesterday. “He’s a young guy. He can take a breath a little bit.”
Coach Harbaugh on the ILBs: pic.twitter.com/NBmdopg47v
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 16, 2024
Veteran linebackers Malik Harrison and Chris Board have seen significant increases in their snap counts, which will continue with Simpson becoming a liability in the passing game.
