The Ravens deactivated outside linebacker Jason Babin
again Sunday. He’s been inactive for both games since signing with Baltimore following Terrell Suggs’ season-ending Achilles injury.
Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said this week that Babin is still in the process of learning the Ravens’ defense.
That means rookie fourth-round pick Za’Darius Smith will get another crack at trying to improve the Ravens pass rush, which fell flat in Oakland. Elvis Dumervil and Courtney Upshaw will also be a big part of that, as well as potential creative blitzes.
Running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) is active, however. Taliaferro was questionable after practicing only on a limited basis on Friday.
The Ravens deactivated a pair of cornerbacks, Will Davis and rookie Tray Walker. Baltimore traded for Davis this week, so, like Babin, he likely needed some time to learn the defense.
Baltimore had already ruled out starting offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, meaning James Hurst will get his second straight start.
Wide receiver Breshad Perriman was also ruled out. He went through pre-game warmups at what looked to be at or close to full speed, though he pulled up gimpy when trying to go deep. He remained on the field to catch more passes.
Defensive end Chris Canty (calf) was also ruled out on Friday. Defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi is a healthy scratch.
The Bengals scratched wide receivers Greg Little and Mario Alford, cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris, tight end C.J. Uzomah, defensive tackles Marcus Hardison and Pat Sims and defensive end Margus Hunt.
