Ravens Injury Report: Timmy Jernigan Doubtful; Perriman, Taliaferro Out Vs. Broncos
By Kevin McGuire
When the Baltimore Ravens head to Denver for Sunday's season opener against the Broncos, they will do so with a rash of injuries to start the season. The most notable may be the doubtful status of defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan. A knee injury has limited Jernigan's availability in practice this week in preparation for the first game of the season. Jernigan did not participate in Ravens practices on Wednesday and he was limited in practices on Thursday and Friday. For now, Jernigan remains questionable for the first game of the season.
Baltimore could be hurting without one of its top defensive players available this weekend. Denver's offense may not be as lethal as it has been in recent years, but having Peyton Manning at quarterback is always a solid threat no matter what. Without Jernigan on the defensive line, Baltimore will go with Carl Davis in the starting line-up.
A number of other players have been out of practices or limited this week. Cornerback Rashaan Melvin is working through a thigh injury that held him out of multiple practices this week, putting his status in jeopardy for the opener. Wide receiver Breshad Perriman (knee) and running back Lorenzo Taliaferro also missed multiple practices this week. Both offensive players will be out for the game as a result.
With Taliaferro out of action this weekend, the Ravens will likely turn to Justin Forsett out of the backfield to carry the load. The loss of Perriman will be a blow to the already shallow depth at receiver behind veteran Steve Smith. That would put a bit more pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco to keep things moving against what could be an improved Denver defense.
The Ravens may have a good track record in Denver, but they will have to fight a little harder to get home with a win this weekend.
Probable:
Chris Cantry, DL (non-injury related)
Daryll Smith, LB (non-injury related)
Doubtful
Timmy Jernigan, DT (knee)
Rashaan Melvin, CB (thigh)
Out:
Breshad Perriman, WR (knee)
Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB (knee)
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
