The Ravens are 1-3 and need a win Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, and they'll have to do it with an injury-riddled roster.
Eight Ravens starters, including five Pro Bowlers from last year, did not practice Friday, putting their status in doubt for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.
Even beyond those players, several others will be dealing with injuries even if they suit up.
Lamar Jackson hasn't practiced all week, paving the way for Cooper Rush to make his first start as a Raven. The other six players not practicing Friday are as follows:
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring)
- S Kyle Hamilton (groin)
- CB Marlon Humphrey (hamstring)
- OLB Odafe Oweh (eye)
- FB Patrick Ricard (calf)
- LB Roquan Smith (hamstring)
That list does not include defensive tackles Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) and Broderick Washington Jr. (ankle), who went on injured reserve last week.
The Ravens defense came into the year feeling strong with Pro Bowlers at all three levels, anchored by Madubuike, Smith, and Hamilton. None of them might be playing in a pivotal game Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore's cornerback depth may also be put to the test with Humphrey and Awuzie, who haven't practiced all week, looking doubtful to play. That could mean Jaire Alexander is back in the lineup for the first time since Week 1 and more snaps for second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa and undrafted rookie Keyon Martin.
Nate Wiggins (elbow) returned to the practice field Thursday and Friday, which is a good sign that he should be able to suit up.
Hamilton practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, but not since. Second-year safety Sanoussi Kane would be tasked with filling his big shoes.
Last year's sack leader, Kyle Van Noy, could return to game action after missing the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. That's good news, but now Oweh, who also had double-digit sacks last year, is dealing with an eye problem.
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee) is also practicing Friday for a second straight day, a positive sign that he may try to play again. Stanley started, but exited Sunday's game in Kansas City early, giving way to Joe Noteboom.
Meanwhile, all of the Texans' starters have practiced this week, so they should be at full strength.
This story will be updated when the Ravens' final injury report for the week is released later this afternoon.
