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Broncos Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey Out For Season Opener Against Ravens

By Samuel Njoku

The Ravens are set to play the Broncos on Thursday night and will do so with a few players banged up. Here's a look at who's in and who's out for Baltimore's highly anticipated matchup against Denver.

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Arthur Jones, DL, (undisclosed illness): OUT

One of the bigger mysteries heading into this game has to be the sudden illness to starting defensive lineman Arthur Jones. The Ravens have made it known that the illness is non-football related and have made little attempt to divulge more information.
"I'd rather leave an explanation of Art's situation up to Art," said Coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday. "It's not anything that's life-threatening or anything like that, but it's non-football related. We've just got to get some tests done to make sure he's OK. And until the tests come out the right way, he's not going to be able to play. It's something that I've been told now that they can't tell you how long it'll be. It could be a week. It could be indefinitely."

Whatever the situation is with Jones, one thing is clear: He won't play on Thursday.

Deonte Thompson, WR, (foot): Doubtful

Thompson hasn't seen the field since injuring his foot during the first preseason game against the Buccaneers. He hasn't practiced since and chances are he'll miss the opening game against Denver. The Ravens will be forced to play with five receivers which include two rookies in Aaron Mellette and Marlon Brown.

Ed Dickson, TE, (thigh): Probable

The Ravens were devastated by the loss to Dennis Pitta when training camp was just starting to get some traction. They could ill afford to lose Ed Dickson to a similar fate. Luckily for Ravens fans, they won't have to worry about it. Dickson practiced all week and looks to be a go for Thursday.

"I feel pretty healthy, feel pretty optimistic about my chances to play in this game," Dickson told the media on Monday. Expect Dickson to play opposite of Dallas Clark in Baltimore's two tight end set.

Broncos Pro Bowl CB Champ Bailey Ruled Out of Thursday's Game

The last time the Ravens played the Broncos, Champ Bailey was burned right out of the field by Torrey Smith. This time, Bailey won't have a chance to enter the field. The Broncos ruled Champ Bailey out of Thursday's game with a foot injury that he has dealt with most of the preseason.

"It's my feet, so I have to make sure I'm making a smart decision," Bailey told the Denver media on Monday.  It appears as though the smart decision is to keep Bailey out this week and give him another 10 days to heal. Of course the Ravens prepared this week as if the veteran corner would be out there on gameday.

"I'm not necessarily concerned whether he plays or not, that's not really my job, we prepare as if he is playing," said Torrey Smith. "Champ Bailey is a guy I have a lot of respect for."

For reference:

  • Probable: a 75% chance the injured player will be medically cleared for the game
  • Questionable: a 50% chance the injured player will be medically cleared for the game
  • Doubtful: a 25% chance the injured player will be medically cleared for the game
  • Out: there is no chance the injured player will be medically cleared for the game

For more news and updates, visit Baltimore Ravens central.

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. He can be reached for comments at SamuelN870@gmail.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.

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