 |
 |
RAVENS AT TITANSSunday, November 5 | 1:00 PM |
|
This is another of those all-too-frequent games lately where the Ravens need to prove they have changed their momentum for the better in 2017.
One could argue the Ravens (4-4) have to put away the Titans (4-3) this Sunday if they are to have any realistic shot of either catching the Steelers (6-2) in their division or getting an AFC wild card spot.
The Ravens are second in the division behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and one game out from the sixth and final wild-card playoff spot. If the Ravens are going to punch their postseason ticket, they’ll have to do better in the second half.
“We are going to need to go more than .500 the rest of the way to accomplish what we want to accomplish, but we need to get about 10 wins,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We need to find a way to put wins together.”
The good news is the Ravens are starting to get healthy at the right time, as quarterback Joe Flacco
(concussion) is expected to play Sunday, along with wide receiver Mike Wallace (concussion). The team already got back wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (foot). The offense is expecting to get a big weapon back with running back Danny Woodhead (hamstring) returning to practice on Wednesday and eligible to come off injured reserve after the bye.
At least Flacco will not end up missing time due to the late-hit concussion he suffered last Thursday night against Miami.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Flacco had cleared the league’s concussion protocol and will play Sunday in Tennessee.
“I feel good. I feel real good,” Flacco said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’m definitely ready to go.”
Flacco said he’s never dealt with a head injury before, never even a mild concussion.
“I think I’ve been pretty fortunate, honestly,” Flacco said. “Even in this situation, I feel pretty fortunate. I feel like it could have been a lot worse and I never felt like it got to this point.
“To be honest with you, I felt pretty normal pretty quickly.”
The Ravens also got a pair of Williams back on the field, as Maxx and Tim Williams returned from injuries.
Tim Williams missed the last three games with a thigh injury, and he was a full participant in practice. He would give the Ravens another young pass rusher in the fold if he’s able to play this week.
TE Maxx Williams has been battling an ankle injury for most of the season and missed the last two games. He’s played in just three games this season, but was as full participant Wednesday.
He has six catches for 32 yards this season.
While Williams returned, starting tight end Nick Boyle was absent because of a toe injury. Boyle has 18 catches for 138 yards, and he’s a particularly valuable blocker for the Ravens in both the run and pass game.
Running back Terrance West continues to miss time with a calf injury, and he’s at risk of missing his fourth-straight game.
The other players who missed practice were cornerback Jimmy Smith (Achilles) and defensive tackle Michael Pierce (illness). The Ravens have routinely given Smith off days in practice to give the Achilles the needed time to rest, and he’s been arguably the team’s best defender this year.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
