Injury Report: Ravens LT Eugene Monroe Likely Out Against Chargers
By Samuel Njoku
The Ravens have struggled in 2015 and the injury bug has a lot to do with it. Baltimore has seen many of their best players go down for extensive periods of time. With the San Diego Chargers in the way of their second victory of the season, the Ravens hope that some of their key players can return in order to get the job done.
Eugene Monroe, Baltimore's starting left tackle, left Monday night's game against the Cardinals with a shoulder injury. It was bad enough that he didn't return to the game that night and didn't practice the entire week. Injuries have been an issue with Monroe since being traded from Jacksonville. With his lack of practice time and the extent of his injury, Baltimore has designated him as doubtful to play against the Chargers. Expect James Hurst to play in his absence, a player that has had his ups and downs this season in relief of Monroe. His decent play against the Cardinals is perhaps a good sign for the offensive line moving forward.
A bad sign for the Ravens is that Kelechi Osemele also left Monday night's game with an injury to his knee. Unlike Monroe, Osemele practiced, albeit on a limited basis. He looks to be a game-time decision for Sunday's contest. His absence would severely hamper the running game that has been a factor in games the last few weeks. If Osemele is unable to play, John Urschel will compete in his absence.
Baltimore's offense has been asked to play at a high level on a consistent basis due to the ineptitude of their defense. But with the number of injuries that have hit their playmakers, consistency is hard to come by. Darren Waller was placed on IR this week and Breshad Perriman has yet to sniff the football field. Maxx Williams could be a viable asset in the passing game, but he's out with knee and ankle injuries -- though he's a game-time decision on Sunday. The only player that appears to be ready to go and contribute is veteran wideout Steve Smith.
Smith broke four bones in his back but only missed a week of action. It's been reported that he tweaked his knee in practice and was limited on Thursday. But he was a full participant on Friday and will definitely play on Sunday barring a setback. As the only legitimate playmaker on the wide receivers corps, that's good news for Ravens fans. Steve Smith continues to amaze even the fiercest of critics as his Hall of Fame career is slowly coming to an end.
Probable:
Steve Smith, WR (knee)
Terrence Brooks, S (thumb)
Questionable:
Kendrick Lewis, S (knee)
Kelechi Osemele, G (knee)
Maxx Williams, TE (knee,ankle)
Doubtful:
Eugene Monroe, T (shoulder)
Out:
Breshad Perriman, WR (knee)
Tray Walker, S (concussion)
Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. Samuel Njoku is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.
