News

The Ravens are getting healthier, but aren’t back to 100 percent.

A New Injury For Steve Smith Sr.

As if microfractures in his back weren’t enough, veteran wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is now dealing with a knee injury. Good news is it doesn’t seem too serious.

Smith is listed as probable to play Sunday against the Chargers.

Media members reported that Smith tweaked his knee while running a route during Thursday’s practice. Smith didn’t leave the field, but was added to the injury report as a limited participant. Smith was back to full participation on Friday.

It would be very surprising for Smith to miss the game. He sat out just one contest due to the back injury and was back on the field running routes Friday.

Smith leads the Ravens with 41 catches for 588 yards and three touchdowns. The passing attack isn’t the same without him, and Smith knows that.

Monroe Doubtful; Osemele Questionable

Left tackle Eugene Monroe has been off the injury list for three weeks after a concussion, but it looks like he’ll land back on the sideline this Sunday with a new injury.

Monroe has a shoulder injury that kept him out of practice all three days this week. He’s listed as doubtful to play.

It’s his second somewhat major injury of the season as a concussion suffered on the first offensive drive of the year knocked him out for the rest of the Week 1 game in Denver and the next three games.

If Monroe can’t play, James Hurst will once again step into the starting role. The former undrafted rookie finished Monday night’s game against the Arizona Cardinals and played well.

Left guard Kelechi Osemele also went down with a knee injury during Monday night’s game. Osemele was limited in practice throughout the week and is listed as questionable.

If Osemele can’t play, second-year offensive lineman John Urschel would be called upon. Urschel also finished out Monday night’s game. Starting duty could remove him from a possible pass-catching role.

Safeties On The Mend

Safety Kendrick Lewis is still nursing an injured knee that limited him throughout practice this week and is listed as questionable.

The Ravens’ starting free safety was inactive last week after suffering the injury in Week 6 against the 49ers.

If Lewis can’t suit up, or is limited in the game, he could be spelled by second-year safety Terrence Brooks, who is on the mend from a thumb injury.

After missing the past two games, Brooks was a full participant in practice Thursday and Friday and is listed as probable.

The 2014 third-round pick out of Florida State would need to wear a heavy wrap over his hand, which could impact his catching ability if an interception were to come his way.

“I’ve been practicing my one-handed picks,” Brooks said with a laugh. “For the most part, I’ve been catching them pretty good. I definitely want to get back.”

Two Rookies Out, One May Be Back

The Ravens’ rookie class is banged up.

On Wednesday, the Ravens sent sixth-round wide receiver Darren Waller to injured reserve.

Top draft pick, wide receiver Breshad Perriman, is still out with his knee injury. Fourth-round cornerback Tray Walker has also been ruled out with a concussion suffered in Arizona.

Second-round tight end Maxx Williams could make his return to the field, however, after missing Monday’s game with knee and ankle injuries.

Williams has made 12 catches for 108 yards this season. He would add another chain-moving receiver to the mix, along with tight end Crockett Gillmore and fellow rookie Nick Boyle.

Chargers Rule Out Three Starters

San Diego will be missing two of its key players on defense and one offensive line starter.

Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle (groin) and inside linebacker Manti Te’o (ankle) have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Weddle and Te’o are first and second, respectively, on the team in tackles.

The Chargers will also be without starting guard Orlando Franklin (ankle), which likely moves Kenny Wiggins into the mix.

Tight end Antonio Gates (knee) is questionable and first-round rookie running back Melvin Gordon (ankle) is probable.