The Ravens will be without defensive tackle Michael Pierce for the second straight game as they face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.
Pierce (ankle) is inactive as expected after missing practice Friday and Saturday. He practiced on a limited basis Thursday, but the ankle did not respond well enough for Pierce to play. Even after missing last week's game, Pierce leads Baltimore's defensive linemen in tackles with 14. Without Pierce's run-stopping prowess, the Ravens will rely on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Brandon Williams, Jihad Ward, Domata Peko and Justin Ellis in their defensive tackle rotation. Peko and Ellis made their debut with the Ravens last week after being signed as free agents and both played well. Controlling the Rams' rushing attack led by running back Todd Gurley (525 yards, seven touchdowns) will be a high priority for the Ravens, who have the NFL's top-ranked defense over the last four weeks.
Ravens rookie cornerback Iman Marshall is active for the first time this season and will make his NFL debut. The fourth-round draft pick from USC was on injured reserve most of the season before being activated Nov. 12. Although his action will likely be limited to special teams, Marshall is returning to the Los Angeles Coliseum where he played home games with the Trojans last season.
Joining Pierce as inactive for the Ravens are quarterback Trace McSorley, wide receiver Jaleel Scott, safety Bennett Jackson, cornerback Anthony Averett, guard Ben Powers and defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
Rams Wide Receiver Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks Are Back
The Rams have their wide receiver corps back intact with the return of Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks. Both are active after missing last week's game against the Chicago Bears.
Cooks (concussion) was not on Saturday's injury report and was expected to play. Woods missed last week's game for personal reasons and it was not certain he would play, even after Head Coach Sean McVay said Woods looked good at Saturday's practice. Woods has 45 catches for 566 yards this season, while Cooks has 27 receptions for 402 yards and a touchdown. Cooper Kupp is the Rams' leading receiver with 61 catches for 845 yards and five touchdowns.
Inactive for the Rams are right tackle Rob Havenstein, defensive backs Darious Williams and Dont'e Deayon; wide receiver Nsimba Webster, safety Jake Gervase, linebacker Natrez Patrick and offensive lineman Jamil Denby.
