Flacco's Blind Side A Concern Heading Into Tampa Bay
By Samuel Njoku
Ravens QB Joe Flacco had to escape from the pocket plenty of times last week against the Indianapolis Colts. This week against the Bucs, he may very well be running for his life. The Baltimore Ravens are banged up quite a bit at the offensive line. And that isn't very good news against a Tampa Bay defense that has some playmakers along their front 7.
Eugene Monroe is still dealing with a knee injury and it has forced Baltimore to call on the services of rookie LT James Hurst. He didn't play as well as many would have liked against the Colts and he may be asked to perform without a respectable LG at his side.
Kelechi Osemele injured his knee against the Colts but was able to finish the game. But so far this week, KO has been unable to practice and is now questionable for Sunday. With his absence, Baltimore will be without to important pieces that help protect Flacco's blind side. It could be trouble for Flacco. If Osemele is unable to go, Gino Gradkowski would likely get the start after starting at center for the Ravens last season.
DE Chris Canty will be out once again with a wrist injury. And WR Marlon Brown is doubtful with an injury to his pelvis. Though Terrell Suggs was limited for most of the week, he will likely play against the Bucs. They'll need him against a Tampa team that has the ability to put points on the board if the QB is not pressured.
Ravens Injury Report:
OUT
DE Chris Canty (wrist) DT Timmy Jernigan (knee) T Eugene Monroe (knee)
DOUBTFUL
WR Marlon Brown
QUESTIONABLE
G Kelechi Osemele (knee)
PROBABLE
S Matt Elam (shoulder) LB Daryl Smith (knee) C Jeremy Zuttah (ankle)
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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.
