Rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone of the Ravens to be sidelined for the entire season due to a severe knee injury.
Baltimore Ravens rookie cornerback Bilhal Kone suffered a season-ending injury during the team's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on August 7, 2025. The injury, a torn ligament in his left knee, occurred near the end of the first quarter while Kone was defending a pass in the end zone [1][2][3][4][5].
Kone, a 23-year-old draft pick out of Western Michigan, was selected in the sixth round (No. 178 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. His college football performance was significant, as evidenced by his pass breakups, tackles, and interception [6][7].
In his final college season, Kone was a productive player, recording nine pass breakups, 70 tackles, and one interception [6][7]. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the injury and its season-ending severity during a postgame press conference on Thursday [1][4][5].
The injury happened when Kone landed awkwardly, and he had to be carted off the field with a leg placed in a vacuum splint [1][3]. Despite the setback, Harbaugh expressed confidence that Kone will recover and return to play in due time, emphasizing that Kone is part of the team and will be rehabbing this year [1][2].
The Ravens will be without Kone for the entire 2025 season, a significant loss for the team's defensive unit. Kone had been competing for a final cornerback roster spot and performed well in training camp and early preseason action [1][2][3]. The injury is particularly disappointing given that Kone had missed some training camp time earlier with a shoulder injury but showed promise with strong coverage skills and pass defense statistics in college.
Recovery timelines for torn knee ligaments—depending on the specific ligament involved, often the ACL or similar—typically range from 6 to 12 months for athletes, involving surgery and extensive rehabilitation. With the announcement that Kone will miss the entire rookie season, it is expected that his recovery and rehab will follow a similar timeline, with a likely return to full football activity no earlier than the 2026 season [1][2][3].
[1] NFL.com
[2] ESPN.com
[3] BaltimoreSun.com
[4] Ravens.com
[5] YahooSports.com
[6] Western Michigan University Athletics
[7] CollegeFootballData.com
- The Baltimore Ravens rookie cornerback, Bilhal Kone, who was a sixth-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and played college football at Western Michigan, will miss the entire 2025 NFL season due to a season-ending injury.
- Kone's injury, a torn ligament in his left knee, occurred during the team's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on August 7, 2025, and his recovery timeline, depending on the specific ligament involved, is expected to be between 6 to 12 months, including surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Ravens head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the injury and its severity during a postgame press conference on Thursday, expressing confidence that Kone will recover and return to play in due time.
- Despite the setback, Kone is expected to rehab this year, with a likely return to full football activity no earlier than the 2026 season.
- The injury happened when Kone landed awkwardly and had to be carted off the field with a leg placed in a vacuum splint during a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
- The NFL draft, American football, and sports enthusiasts will be eagerly watching Kone's recovery and comeback to the game of football in the 2026 season.
