The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3), Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), and Cleveland Browns (2-6) all lost in Week 8 as the Ravens gained ground in the AFC North. They also lost some key players to injuries.
Here's a look at Baltimore's division rivals heading into Week 9:
Pittsburgh Steelers: DeShon Elliott, Daniel Ekuale, and Isaac Seumalo Injured
Two Pittsburgh starters suffered injuries during a 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers — guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and safety DeShon Elliott (knee). Defensive tackle Daneil Ekuale also left with a knee injury. None of them returned to the game, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin called the injuries to Ekuale and Elliott "significant," via Ryland Bickley of Behind the Steel Curtain.
Elliott, who spent his first four NFL seasons (2018-21) with the Ravens, is one of Pittsburgh's defensive leaders. His presence was missed in the second half when the Packers exploded for 28 points during a stellar performance by Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who passed for 360 yards and three touchdowns.
"DeShon is one of our leaders. He did a lot for our defense," safety Juan Thornhill said via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I'm not sure what his injury is. Hopefully he's back. He's huge."
Elliott was replaced by another former Raven, Chuck Clark. Despite big names on defense like T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Queen, and Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers have given up at least 30 points in two straight games and rank 30th in total defense.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Flacco Injures Shoulder; Zac Taylor Wants Defensive Leaders to Step Up
Joe Flacco had another strong game with the Bengals, throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, but he suffered a shoulder injury in the process.
The offense wasn't the problem, however, as Cincinnati couldn't protect a 15-point fourth-quarter lead.
After the Bengals gave up 39 points to the previously winless New York Jets (1-7) on Sunday, Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor called the loss "humbling."
Cincinnati fired former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after last season and replaced him with Al Golden. The defense has continued to struggle and Taylor is calling for the team's defensive leaders to take charge.
"I think someone needs to step up and lead the group," Taylor said via Ben Baby of ESPN.com. "That's what I'm waiting to see — someone to step up and lead the group and take some accountability over there and get this thing going the right way."
Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson also left the Jets game after he aggravated a hip injury, and there was no immediate timetable for his return.
Cleveland Browns: Carson Schwesinger Injured, Five Sacks by Myles Garrett Are Wasted
Star edge rusher Myles Garrett had a franchise-record five sacks, but the Browns left frustrated after a 32-13 loss to the New England Patriots.
Garrett told reporters after the game that he'd throw away the five-sack performance for a victory.
Cleveland rookie linebacker Carson Schwensiger, who leads the team in tackles, suffered a high ankle sprain, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. That is typically a four-to-six-week injury, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Starting rookie running back Quinshon Judkins left Sunday's game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Judkins is day-to-day.
Cleveland's offense continued to struggle with rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback, but Stefanski said the Browns would stick with Gabriel as their starter when they return from their Week 9 bye. Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has yet to see regular-season action and missed Sunday's game with a back injury.
Cleveland will visit the Jets in Week 10.
