Smythe’s absence takes a regular blocker out of Baltimore’s offense. The team reported that he played half of its offensive snaps through four games despite catching only one pass for four yards. That usage makes his replacement a personnel and blocking question extending beyond the passing statistics on a fantasy roster.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle supported bringing Smythe to Baltimore during free agency after working with him last season. Minter described Smythe as a player who knew the offense, could solve problems on the field and could line up in different positions within both blocking and passing schemes.
Mark Andrews leads the tight-end room. Baltimore’s account identified rookies Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas as players who could shoulder more work, with veteran Nick Vannett available on the practice squad. Vannett’s background as a blocker offers another possible response, though the Ravens have not announced an elevation or a replacement’s workload.
Minter expressed confidence in the depth at the position and said an opportunity could emerge for another player. Those comments establish the team’s options; they do not identify a new starter or guarantee that one tight end will receive all of Smythe’s snaps.
