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Offensive Line Short-Handed

The Ravens offensive line was missing two starters when the Ravens took the practice field Wednesday.

Starting center Jeremy Zuttah has been ruled out for the rest of the season after getting placed on injured reserve with a pectoral strain, and left guard Kelechi Osemele was also sidelined with a knee issue.

Osemele played the entire game against Jacksonville before appearing on this week’s injury report.

If Osemele’s injury puts him at risk of missing this week’s game, that would be a heavy blow to the interior of the offensive line that has to go up against one of the best defensive fronts in football.

John Urschel is set to start in place of Zuttah at center, but he has also been Osemele’s backup all year. The new backup for both guard spots is now Ryan Jensen, who has played one offensive snap in his career.

Rookie Boyle Misses Practice

Rookie tight end Nick Boyle also missed practice because of a foot injury. He was reportedly spotted in the locker room wearing a walking boot.

Having Boyle sidelined could be significant for the offense after they unveiled a heavy dose of three tight end sets against Jacksonville. The young tight ends were a bright spot against the Jaguars, and Boyle had a strong outing by opening the game with a 25-yard completion.

The Ravens did bring in some insurance to the tight end group this week by signing Chase Ford off the Vikings practice squad. He has played in 20 NFL games and made five starts with the Vikings.

Ford has 34 catches for 391 yards and a touchdown in his career.

The only other player listed on the injury report for the Ravens was veteran outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who didn’t practice because of a knee injury. Dumervil often has a veteran off day during the week of practice, so the Ravens may just be playing it safe with him.

He also spoke with reporters after practice and didn’t give any indication that the injury was a major concern.

Quinn Doesn’t Practice, Long Returns

The Rams had a short list on their injury report as well.

Starting defensive ends Robert Quinn (hip) and Chris Long (knee) are the most notable names on the list. Quinn didn’t practice, but Long returned to the field after missing the last four games. Long was a full participant in practice. 

“We’ve missed Chris,” Ram Head Coach Jeff Fischer said. “He’ll be back on the practice field this week. I don’t know whether he’ll play or not; we’ll have to see how he does the next couple days.”

Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) also didn’t practice and starting center Tim Barnes (knee) was a limited participant.