News

The Ravens and Browns are limping into Sunday’s meeting.

The AFC North rivals both have injuries at key positions, and they will face off at M&T Bank Stadium without important pieces.

Smith Doubtful, Perriman Out

Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine said he wouldn’t believe Steve Smith is out until he saw the official inactives list on Sunday.

He really will have to wait that long.

The Ravens have not yet officially ruled Smith out for Sunday’s game after he missed the entire week of practice with a back injury. He is listed as doubtful.

Head Coach John Harbaugh initially said last week that the microfractures in Smith’s back would sideline him for the matchup with Cleveland, but now there is some hope that Smith could find a way to play. Smith said Thursday that he was “feeling good,” and the doctors told Harbaugh that the 36-year-old receiver is in the “Hall of Fame of pain tolerance.”

“He’s working hard,” Harbaugh said. “He’s in there on the different equipment working really hard to get himself ready and making – I would say – good progress.”

The Ravens have ruled out rookie receiver Breshad Perriman. He didn’t practice all week after having a scope procedure performed on his knee Oct. 1.

If Smith is unable to play, then Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown will be the team’s two starting receivers.

Gillmore, Canty Both Ruled Out

Tight end Crockett Gillmore and defensive end Chris Canty have both been ruled out because of calf injuries. They did not practice at all this week.

This will be the second-straight game without Gillmore and fourth without Canty.

The Ravens were optimistic earlier in the week that they would be able to return, but ultimately had to rule out the two starters.

Rookies Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle will handle the duties at tight end, and Lawrence Guy will get the start in Canty’s place.

Monroe Probable After Week Of Practice

Starting left tackle Eugene Monroe (concussion) is slated to return after being a full participant in practice all week. He is officially listed as probable.

Monroe told reporters he’s healthy again after the concussion sidelined him the last three games. He’s expected to get inserted back into the starting lineup. 

“To have somebody like Eugene to come back in and play for us is certainly a big deal,” Offensive Coordinator Marc Trestman said. “It’s going to be good for our offense, and it’s going to be good for our team.”

James Hurst played in Monroe’s absence, and Trestman said the second-year lineman is a “very good player.”

But now the Ravens will have their veteran left tackle back in the lineup, giving them all five starters from last year’s dominant offensive line.

The other players listed as probable are right guard Marshal Yanda (ankle), running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot), linebacker Daryl Smith (non-injury related) and linebacker Albert McClellan (abdomen).

Roster Move On The Way?

When the Ravens released their depth chart earlier this week, the kick returner spot read “TBD.”

After a week of practice, the coaching staff has given no indication as to who will take over the job after Michael Campanaro went on season-ending injured reserve.

Recently acquired receiver Chris Givens is a candidate, as he has experience at kick returner from his time in St. Louis. Veteran cornerback Lardarius Webb could then be the punt returner and maybe even the kick returner.

If the Ravens don’t want to overuse Webb, or throw Givens into the job just a week after trading for him, then they could make a roster move Saturday. Wide receiver Jeremy Ross and cornerback Asa Jackson are both on the practice squad and have experience in the return game.

The Ravens would have to move them up to the active roster by 4 p.m. Saturday if they are going to play against Cleveland. Harbaugh didn’t tip his hand as to whether the Ravens might make that move.

“There’s always a chance of roster moves every day,” Harbaugh said.

Browns Banged Up In Secondary

The Browns have some injury concerns of their own, particularly in the defensive secondary.

Starting free safety Tashaun Gipson (ankle) has been ruled out, and Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden (finger/ribs) is questionable to play. The finger injury could force Haden to miss his second-straight game.

Haden was limited in practice all week, but the Ravens still anticipate the Pro Bowler suiting up Sunday.

“We’re expecting Joe Haden to play,” Harbaugh said. “I fully expect him to play and be out there and be a part of what they’re doing.”

In addition to the injuries to Gipson and Haden, the Browns have also ruled out reserve linebacker Craig Robertson. Backup running back Shaun Draughn (back) is doubtful.

Starting wide receiver Brian Hartline (ribs/thigh), defensive end Desmond Bryant (shoulder) and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (ankle) are all questionable.