Reeling From Loss To Browns, Ravens Hurting As Bengals Arrive In Baltimore
By Danny Cox
The Baltimore Ravens had no earthly idea that they'd be 3-5 halfway through the season and only out of the AFC North cellar thanks to Pittsburgh playing even worse. Now, they've got the division-leading Cincinnati Bengals coming to town and the Ravens are hurting as three starters are listed as questionable.
First of all, offensive guard Kelechi Osemele has officially been placed on injured reserve due to lingering back problems. With his season now over and his roster spot opening, the Ravens activated cornerback Asa Jackson for more depth in the secondary.
Baltimore is going to need that depth because the secondary is truly hurting.
Cornerback Jimmy Smith injured his groin this past week against Cleveland and he would not give any word on his condition. Smith ended up sitting out the first two days of practice this week and returned to the field on Friday, but only in a limited capacity.
Starting strong safety James Ihedigbo was added to the injury report on Friday as well with a toe injury. Yet another defensive back, Corey Graham, is dealing with a calf injury and he is on the list too. Both players are listed as questionable for Sunday's game and could see playing time mixed with the aforementioned Jackson, Omar Brown, and Anthony Levine.
Baltimore's leading tackler, linebacker Daryl Smith, also missed the first two days of practice this week but returned on Friday afternoon. After practice was over though, Smith walked gingerly off of the field as his thigh injury is not at 100 percent. He will likely split time with Albert McClellan.
Wide receiver Brandon Stokley is questionable with a thigh injury so he will likely be a game-time decision. Fourth wide receiver Marlon Brown is probably with a finger injury, but he will be ready to go on Sunday as he was a full-go at practice on both Thursday and Friday.
Linebacker Terrell Suggs is also listed as probable with a foot injury. He did not practice early in the week, but was on the field in full capacity on Friday and will be fine against the Bengals.
Baltimore may be without a number of starters and players as a whole on Sunday, but they'll know more as game time approaches. No matter who is out on the field against Cincinnati, the Ravens have got to step it up if they're going to salvage this season.
Out:
- G/T Kelechi Osemele - Back
Doubtful:
- None
Questionable:
- CB Corey Graham - Calf
- SS James Ihedigbo - Toe
- CB Jimmy Smith - Groin
- LB Daryl Smith - Thigh
- WR Brandon Stokley - Thigh
Probable:
- LB Terrell Suggs - Foot
- WR Marlon Brown - Finger
For more Ravens news and updates, visit Ravens Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
