It’s hard for Ravens fans to imagine that it’s hard to imagine the Ravens beating the Rams this Sunday…
But there you have it. It’s a conundrum. At 2-7 the Ravens are lost and mired in a swamp of bad breaks and roster depletion.
Head coach John Harbaugh is still talking up his team’s chances of getting on a late run. Well, what else is he supposed to say? “This is a lost season” or “We’ve discovered we’re not a good team anymore” ?
Anyway, they will give it a go at home against the St. Louis Rams (4-5).
Here’s Ryan Mink of the Ravens PR staff with a look at the personnel for Sunday’s game:
Boyle Doubtful With Foot Injury
Just when the Ravens’ three tight ends all were healthy and clicking at the same time, one of them has gone down.
Rookie fifth-round pick Nick Boyle
suffered a foot injury in last week’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not practice at all this week. He walked around the locker room with a boot on his foot.
Boyle is now listed as doubtful to play against the Rams.
If Boyle can’t suit up, it means Baltimore will likely not use as many three–tight-end formations as it did, successfully, last week. Boyle was a big part of the game plan against the Jaguars and caught three passes for 35 yards while tight ends Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williamseach hauled in a touchdown.
The Ravens signed 6-foot-6 tight end Chase Ford to the active roster this week, and he could take Boyle’s place, although he’s had limited practice time in the offense.
Urban Feeling No Ill Effects
If the Ravens are going to activate defensive end Brent Urban to the active roster, they must do it by Saturday at 4 p.m.
If Urban is brought up at all, it would be ahead of the final deadline. He must either come up next Wednesday or be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
This week was Urban’s second week of practice since returning to the field following a torn biceps. Head Coach John Harbaugh said he’s “done fine” and “practiced well,” but seemed to indicate that a decision won’t come until next week.
“We haven’t seen any ill effects from the biceps at all,” Harbaugh said.
“We’ll see where that goes next week. I think next week is when we have to determine it, but I’m pretty optimistic that he can help us right now. [General Manager] Ozzie [Newsome] and I haven’t talked about it in any kind of detail, yet, but I feel very positive about Brent’s progress.”
Osemele Questionable, Dumervil Probable
Starting guard Kelechi Osemele is questionable to play, which could leave the Ravens in a bind if he can’t suit up.
Osemele suffered a knee injury against the Jaguars, although he finished the game. He didn’t practice Wednesday, but was a full participant on Thursday. Osemele went back to the sideline and didn’t practice at all Friday, which isn’t a good sign.
If Osemele can’t play, that means Ryan Jensen would be the starting left guard. Usual reserve guard John Urschel has taken over for Jeremy Zuttah (shoulder – injured reserve) as the starting center.
Osemele hasn’t missed a start yet this season and is rated as the 11th best guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil is probable to play after missing Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. Dumervil was a full practice participant Thursday and Friday.
Defensive end Chris Canty and linebacker Daryl Smith are both probable to play after missing practice on Thursday for non-injury related purposes. The two frequently have a veteran’s day off between games.
Urschel Ready For First Start
Urschel started five games at guard last year and has stepped up in a pinch at center, but Sunday’s game will mark his first regular-season start at center. He’s expected to be there for the Ravens’ final seven games.
Urschel said it’s been a bonus this week being able to prepare for one position instead of going into a game not knowing where he may be used. He said he isn’t experiencing any different emotions.
“Go out and play. Do my job, help my teammates win,” he simply said. “I’m blessed to haveMarshal Yanda next to me. That helps a lot.”
Urschel said he feels like making the calls and adjustments at the line of scrimmage is the best thing he has down right now. After all, the mathematician said “that’s analytical.”
What he’s been spending most of his time working on is his snaps, particularly in the shotgun, after struggling with them against the Chargers in Week 8.
“I’ve been working, I’ve been improving,” Urschel said.
“It’ll be fun to watch him play and see how he does,” Harbaugh said. “We believe he’s ready. He has a good task in there against the two good defensive tackles that they play with, and we’re expecting him to play well.”
Rams Pass Rusher Quinn Questionable
St. Louis Rams pass-rushing defensive end Robert Quinn is questionable to play.
The explosive Pro Bowler, who has six sacks this season, has been dealing with an ailing hip that knocked him out of Week 9’s game and limited his snaps last week. Quinn’s only practice this week was on a limited basis Friday.
Defensive end Chris Long (knee) is also questionable, but appears to have a better chance of playing. He was a full practice participant all week.
Starting rookie right tackle Rob Havenstein, a local product from Linganore High School, is doubtful due to a calf injury.
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