 |
 |
RAVENS AT JETSSunday, October 23 | 1:00 pm EST |
|
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley said there are 52 million reasons the Ravens (3-3) aren’t heavy favorites to beat the 1-5 Jets. With nine players missing practice Wednesday, that represented $52.83 million (34 percent) of Baltimore’s salary cap on the sideline. That includes franchise quarterback Joe Flacco.
So while the Jets may be dealing with a quarterback controversy, naming Geno Smith the starter for the first time this season, the Ravens quarterback situation is also far from settled because Flacco is dealing with an injury to his right throwing shoulder.
“One team is 3-3 and the other is 1-5, but they’re practically mirror images of each other in terms of their offensive struggles and general foibles,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Edward Lee. “Again, injuries continue to cripple the Ravens, and I think the Jets will be inspired by the quarterback switch from Ryan Fitzpatrick to Geno Smith just enough to eke out the win.”
Maybe so. But Sarah Ellison of BaltimoreRavens.com says “it wouldn’t be surprising to see both offenses rely on their rushing attacks, which might play into the hands of the Ravens considering they have the No. 1 rush defense and Terrance West seems to get stronger with each game.”
Joe Flacco participated as a full participant Friday after missing the last two days of practice with a sore right shoulder. Flacco is officially listed as questionable to play Sunday against the New York Jets.
Tight end Dennis Pitta said he would be surprised if Flacco doesn’t play Sunday. “Just throwing with him, he had good zip on the ball and good velocity,” Pitta said. “We should see the same old Joe Flacco.”
If Flacco can’t play, the Ravens will turn to Ryan Mallett to get the start. Mallett started two games last year, including a Week 16 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. “You have to be ready at the drop of a hat,” Mallett said. “If something happens during a game or any week of the season, you’ve always got to be ready.”
For the Ravens, Terrell Suggs (biceps), Steve Smith Sr. (ankle) and right guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder) are all doubtful to play. Pass rusher Elvis Dumervil is also out after aggravating his prior foot injury, which means the Ravens’ young pass rushers are going to have to be thrown into the fire, like second-year player Za’Darius Smith and rookies Matthew Judon and Kamalei Correa.
Suggs went down last week while sacking Giants quarterback Eli Manning, and he wasn’t able to return. The defensive leader has a torn biceps muscle, but wants to play through the injury like he did during the 2012 season. Harbaugh acknowledged earlier in the week that it would be unlikely for Suggs and Yanda to get on the field this week.
Smith is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him out of the Week 4 matchup with Washington. He hasn’t practiced at all the last two weeks. If Smith is out, Kamar Aiken would likely start in his place again.
Top cornerback Jimmy Smith is coming off a concussion that ended his game early last week, and he is officially listed as questionable. Smith practiced in a non-contact jersey during the week, and he needs to get medical clearance to play Sunday. Cornerbacks Shareece Wright (thigh) and Jerraud Powers (thigh) and safety Kendrick Lewis (thigh) are also hampered. Powers left last week’s game early and Wright didn’t practice at all during the week. Wright and Lewis are officially listed as doubtful and Powers is questionable.
Rookie left tackle Ronnie Stanley looks like he’s nearing a return. After missing three-straight games with a foot problem, the No. 6 overall pick was a full participant in practice all week. He is officially listed as questionable to play. The makeup of the offensive line could change if Stanley is active. He could resume his spot at left tackle, pushing Alex Lewis back to left guard. Ryan Jensen would likely start at right guard if Yanda is unable to play.
Rick Wagner is also expected to return to the lineup at right tackle after missing last week’s game with a thigh injury. Wagner wasn’t even listed on the injury report this week.
Veteran return man Devin Hester is another key player who returned to practice Friday as a full participant. He had been sidelined the last two days after missing Sunday’s game with a thigh injury. If Hester can’t play, then Lardarius Webb would likely get the assignment as a punt returner with Chris Moore as the kick returner.
The Jets have some players nursing injuries as well, and they ruled out four players. Tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) and Braedon Bowman (knee), linebacker Darron Lee (ankle) and offensive lineman Brent Qvale (neck) all won’t play.
Offensive linemen Ryan Clady (shoulder) and Nick Mangold (knee) and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) are all questionable to play for the Jets.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
