Ben Watson tears Achilles on first play of Ravens-Lions, reportedly out for the year

Watson went down with a non-contact leg injury and may now miss the entire season

The Baltimore Ravens were ravaged by injuries during the 2015 season, and the injury bug appears to be affecting them yet again in 2016. Already down several rotation players, the Ravens lost starting tight end Ben Watson to a non-contact leg injury on the first play from scrimmage of their preseason game against the Lions, the team's dress rehearsal for the regular season.

Ben Watson with a non-contact injury, down on the first play for the Ravens.

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 27, 2016

Watson was eventually helped off the field.

1st play from scrimmage Ben Watson DOWN. Helped off @Ravens field. Ugh

— Bmoreopinionated (@Bmoreopinionate) August 27, 2016

The team eventually announced that Watson tore his Achilles, and ESPN's Jamison Henley reported that he'll miss the entire 2016 season.

TE Benjamin Watson has torn his Achilles.

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 27, 2016

Ravens TE Benjamin Watson tore his Achilles on first play of game. He's out for season. https://t.co/avAx5tOiaU

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 27, 2016

Watson signed with the Ravens this offseason after a career year in 2015. He caught 74 passes for 825 yards and six touchdowns with the New Orleans Saints last season. He would have been expected to provide Joe Flacco with an option over the middle of the field, but the Ravens will have to look elsewhere for that now.