News

The Ravens offensive line may have three reserves starting Monday night in Cleveland.

Head Coach John Harbaugh said the offensive line situation is complicated as left tackle Eugene Monroe and left guard Kelechi Osemele are both doubtful to play.

That means James Hurst, Ryan Jensen and John Urschel may be at left tackle, left guard and center, respectfully.

“Anytime you have uncertain injuries – you don’t know if guys are going to play for sure or not – it’s a lot of moving parts in there. You get everybody ready anyway,” Harbaugh said.

“[We’ll] just get them to Monday night – we have an extra day – and see how they’re doing, see where we’re at, and if they can play, they will. That’s the kind of guys they are, and if they can’t, the next guys are ready to play.”

Monroe’s Shoulder Still Ailing

Monroe’s sore shoulder may keep him out another week. He is listed as doubtful to play after not practicing at all this week.

Monroe left last week’s game against St. Louis early, forcing Hurst into action. Monroe had already missed one game earlier this year (versus San Diego) due to a shoulder injury.

The Ravens’ starting left tackle has missed four games entirely and parts of two others this season. A concussion knocked him out of essentially four contests at the start of the year.

Hurst has had plenty of practice at left tackle. He’s taken 406 snaps this season to Monroe’s 319. Last year, Hurst got seven starts, including both playoff contests.

Osemele’s Knee Acting Up

It appears that Osemele tried to get his knee to cooperate for a second straight week, but was unsuccessful.

Osemele was an estimated limited practice participant on Thursday, but was held out on Friday and Saturday. Last week, Osemele practiced fully on Thursday before sitting on Friday.

Osemele’s knee injury knocked him out of last week’s game against the Rams and is threatening to keep him sidelined for a second straight week.

If Osemele can’t suit up, the Ravens would turn to Jensen, who made his first career start last week against the Rams. Jensen is a third-year 6-foot-4, 310-pound interior lineman who doubles as both a center and guard.

Boyle Probable To Play

It appears the Ravens will have their full trio of young tight ends on the field Monday night.

Fifth-round rookie Nick Boyle is probable to play after practicing fully throughout the week. Boyle missed last week’s game due to a foot injury.

With Boyle, Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams all on the field, Baltimore has a lot of big, intermediate and tough-to-bring down targets for quarterback Matt Schaub.

Boyle has 14 catches for 128 yards, including three catches for 35 yards in his last action against the Jaguars.

Cornerback Corps May Be Thin

Cornerback Shareece Wright was limited in practice Friday and out on Saturday with a back injury, making him questionable to play against the Browns.

Wright has seen a lot of snaps as Baltimore’s No. 3 cornerback behind Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb.

If he can’t suit up, the Ravens would lean more on Kyle Arrington and Cassius Vaughn.

Wide receiver Marlon Brown (back) is doubtful to play, along with fourth tight end Chase Ford (shoulder).

Browns CB Haden Out

Cleveland ruled out three starters, headlined by Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden. Haden has been dealing with a concussion, which kept him out of practice all week.

The Browns also ruled out starting defensive end Randy Starks (knee) and wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (concussion), as well as reserve wideout Taylor Gabriel (concussion).

Cleveland starting guard Joel Bitonio (ankle) is questionable, along with rookie pass rusher Nate Orchard (groin).

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (elbow) is listed as probable, but expected to be inactive as the third quarterback. Starting quarterback Josh McCown (ribs) is probable, as well as starting safety Donte Whitner (concussion).