The Ravens have built a talented roster, and now that depth is being tested.

Nnamdi Madubuike, Kyle Van Noy, Isaiah Likely, and Patrick Ricard have been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Detroit Lions. Those are some important pieces – the team's top defensive lineman, last year's leading pass rusher, an explosive tight end, and a Pro Bowl fullback.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if cornerback Jaire Alexander will be active against Detroit or given more time to ramp up. Alexander (knee) missed a month of training camp and didn't play up to his standard when he struggled against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.

The injuries are a concern, but the Ravens won't be looking for excuses entering their first Monday night home game since 2021. They'll be looking for players to step amidst the electric atmosphere under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium.

When "Darkness Falls," who will rise?

Here are my thoughts heading into a compelling Monday night matchup, all in 50 words or less:

• Regardless of how the Ravens adjust defensively without Madubuike and Van Noy, their offense may have to carry the load Monday night. The Lions scored 52 points against the Bears in Week 2. Both offenses can cook. I won't be shocked if it's a high-scoring game.

• The Ravens may need more Monday night magic from Lamar Jackson, and he's certainly capable. He has the league's top quarterback rating and is tied for tops in touchdown passes. People asked if Jackson could possibly be better than he was in 2024. So far, he has been.

• Jackson has not thrown an interception this season, and his ability to avoid them is part of his excellence. "He doesn't get fooled too often," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. Every season, opponents have found it more difficult to devise a scheme that Jackson can't dissect.

• Don't expect Monday's matchup to be anything like the 38-6 beating that Baltimore handed Detroit two years ago. The Lions feel they have something to prove. Detroit's coaches and players have talked all week about being embarrassed by Baltimore in 2023. I like the Ravens to win, but I expect a dogfight.

• The Ravens will have four rookies in key positions on defense versus the Lions: safety Malaki Starks, outside linebacker Mike Green, inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan, and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles. This rookie class is growing up fast, and there's no better stage to show it than "Monday Night Football."

• Green is one of the pass rushers the Ravens will count on to step up against Detroit. Give a listen to his engaging interview on "The Lounge" podcast. He'll be pumped up for his first game under the lights at M&T. It's a perfect stage for him to make a big play.

• Seeing Nate Wiggins (groin) back at practice Friday was good news for the Ravens. Detroit's wide receiver combo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams will be the best duo Baltimore has faced this season. Keeping them from making big plays will be imperative.

• Wiggins' interception in Week 2 and Roquan Smith's scoop-and-score off a forced fumble by Tavius Robinson are the game-changing turnovers that Baltimore's defense is looking for. The Ravens are very difficult to beat when they win the turnover battle.

• Jared Goff's impressive array of targets also includes tight end Sam LaPorta. But I think the Ravens have even more weapons. Adding DeAndre Hopkins to the mix has taken the wide receiver group to another level, as has the emergence of touchdown machine Devontez Walker.

• What are the odds that all three of Walker's career catches have been touchdown receptions? That streak will end sometime, but Walker's playmaking isn't a fluke. He was the Ravens' most improved player all summer, and that has carried over into the regular season.

• Derrick Henry was held in check (23 yards) in Week 2, and creating more running lanes has been a point of emphasis this week. As Harbaugh said about the offensive line, "We need those guys to step up. Our offensive line is really going to be a big part of this game."