Injury Report: Ravens TE Owen Daniels Sidelined With Knee Injury
By Samuel Njoku
The Ravens have dominated their opponents the last few weeks. What’s been more impressive is that they’ve done it with a few key members banged up. But Baltimore may get some of their players back this week. And it couldn’t have come at a better time as they prepare for two consecutive division road games against the Bengals and Steelers.
Nobody in Baltimore would call Eugene Monroe the next Jonathan Ogden, but his presence on the offensive line is crucial if this team wants to move the ball down the field against a Bengals defense Baltimore has had trouble with in the past. The good news for Ravens fans is that Monroe has fully participated in practice all week and will likely start against the Bengals. While James Hurst played admirably in Monroe’s absence, Baltimore is simply a better football team with Monroe on the football field.
The same can be said for Kelechi Osemele, who has also missed time with a knee injury. A case can be made that Osemele was the best lineman on the field. He has been replaced by John Urshel for the past 2 games and has held his own quite well. But like Monroe, the Ravens are better with KO starting at guard. And with him practicing fully this week, the Ravens will likely be at full strength at offensive line when they face the Bengals in Cincinnati.
While it may appear that the Ravens are fully healthy, Baltimore will be without one important piece of their offensive puzzle. TE Owen Daniels has been ruled out with a knee injury after having successful arthroscopic knee surgery. The procedure will keep him off the field for at least a week though it won’t surprise anyone if the Ravens choose to wait until after the bye to bring him back. Replacing Daniels will be 3rd round selection Crockett Gilmore who has seen a boost in snaps since the injury to Dennis Pitta. He’s held up well and will now be asked to do a lot more against the Bengals. You’ll likely also see a lot more of Kyle Juszczyk who is more of a hybrid between fullback and tight end.
For the Bengals, it looks as if star wide receiver A.J. Green is doubtful to play against Baltimore.
Ravens Injury Report:
OUT
DE Chris Canty (wrist)
TE Owen Daniels (knee)
PROBABLE
T Eugene Monroe (knee)
G Kelechi Osemele (knee)
LB Daryl Smith (Not Injury Related)
WR Steve Smith (Not Injury Related)
For more Ravens news and updates, visit 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. 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.
