Trenton Simpson starts at linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens season opener

The Baltimore Ravens open their 2026 season against the Indianapolis Colts with Trenton Simpson slated to start at linebacker alongside Roquan Smith. Simpson enters the lineup as Teddye Buchanan works to regain his status following a torn ACL sustained in December 2025. Buchanan returned to training camp from the physically unable to perform list but did not participate in a full preseason workload. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter may limit Buchanan’s snaps early in the season to manage his conditioning and return to form. While Simpson holds the current starting role, his defensive and special teams contribution will be monitored as Buchanan’s capacity for playing time increases. The rotation remains a point of competition for the coaching staff throughout the upcoming weeks.

• 6:35 PMYahoo Sports — Ravens news: How Teddye Buchanan’s return affects Trenton Simpson