RAVENS AND REDSKINS STRUGGLING WITH SOME INJURY ISSUES…

REDSKINS VS. RAVENS Sunday, October 9 | 1:00 pm EST M&T Bank Stadium FOX/WBFF-TV (Ch. 45) 98 Rock | WBAL-1090 AM

It’s a pretty big deal when the Redskins play their regional neighbors in Baltimore, but it’s not a true rivalry. Joe Flacco will explain that later on in the article.

Meanwhile, both teams have major health concerns.

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot) has not practiced all week. The Ravens startedJames Hurst in Stanley’s place last week, which most analysts feel is a downgrade.

“You want to do what’s best for the team short-term and long-term, and what’s best for the players short-term and long-term,” HC John Harbaugh said. “A guy’s health is really important. We’re not throwing guys out there before they’re healthy. It’s not what we do. We want guys to be healthy; it makes them better players for one thing, and it’s just the right thing to do.”

Another offensive player dealing with an injury issue is second-year tight endMaxx Williams (knee). He has dealt with a cartilage problem since training camp, and the injury forced him to leave Sunday’s game early.

With Williams hurt, the Ravens called up tight end Daniel Brown to the 53-man man roster before practice. It’s unclear if the knee problem could land Williams on season-ending injured reserve.

“It’s not something that can be fixed until it’s fixed,” Harbaugh said Monday. “It’s just something he has to play with and play through. The doctors have to tell us what the best course of action is going forward. He can still play. Is it the best thing for him and all of that? We’ll have to figure that out.”

The other players missing from practice were return man Devin Hester (thigh) and cornerback Maurice Canady (thigh). Hester missed a day of practice with the injury last week, but still played in the game. Canady left Sunday’s game with the injury.

Cornerback Sheldon Price (thigh), who missed last week’s game, was a limited participant in practice.

Some good news for the Ravens: rookie running back Kenneth Dixon looks like he’ll be ready to debut Sunday after missing the first four games with a knee injury.

“My knee feels great,” Dixon said. “[Head Trainer] Mark Smith and his staff did a great job getting me back, and helping me get confidence back in my leg so I can get out and perform.”

The Redskins are dealing with some injury concerns of their own as cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland (ankle) and Dashaun Phillips (hamstring), wide receiver Josh Doctson (Achilles) and safety Su’a Cravens (concussion) all missed practice.

Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (elbow), guard Shawn Lauvao (ankle), left tackle Trent Williams (knee) and defensive end Chris Baker (elbow/toe) were all limited.

Cornerback Josh Norman (hand), running back Robert Kelley (finger) and linebacker Trent Murphy (shoulder) were all listed on the injury report as full participants.

As for the alleged rivalry aspect of the upcoming game, Joe Flacco says it doesn’t really exist, because “these teams are obviously close in proximity, but have no bad blood and only play once every couple of years.”

There you have it, another “cut to the chase” explanation from Flacco. I like that!