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Baltimore Ravens Star Suspended After Heartbreaking Loss To Pittsburgh Steelers

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Baltimore Ravens helmet. Ben Cleveland has been suspended.
Baltimore Ravens helmet (Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Cleveland has been hit with a three-game suspension, as things continue to get worse for John Harbaugh’s squad.

On Monday, the NFL informed the Ravens that Ben Cleveland has been suspended for three games after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Ravens visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. They’ll return home to face the New England Patriots in Week 16, before closing out the regular season with road games against the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh.

Ben Cleveland’s suspension is just the latest chapter in a string of unfortunate events for Baltimore. And this comes after a report surfaced that a frustrated Lamar Jackson wants head coach John Harbaugh fired.

With first place on the line yesterday, the Ravens fell 27-22 at home to the Steelers. As a result, Pittsburgh reclaimed sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

Baltimore is now 6-7 and likely must win out to steal the division from Pittsburgh. And the Steelers have a much easier schedule over the final four weeks.

Ben Cleveland’s Suspension Comes At A Bad Time For Ravens

Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Cleveland (66) looks on during warm ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Per Pro Football Reference, Ben Cleveland has seen just three snaps on the offensive line this season. The Ravens have primarily used him as a rotational piece with snaps on both offense and defense over his five NFL campaigns.

Still, losing a veteran leader with versatility is a tough break for the Ravens. As if losing Lamar Jackson for three games to a hamstring injury earlier in the season wasn’t bad enough.

The Ravens have only missed the playoffs once since Jackson’s rookie season, back in 2021 when injuries derailed the season. At this rate, it’s going to take a mini miracle for them to lock down a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

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