The Ravens' early-season injury list is a tome, leaving Baltimore extremely short-handed for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.
Baltimore has six Pro Bowlers inactive for its Week 5 game, plus another on season-ending injured reserve (Nnamdi Madubuike).
Every healthy Raven is playing this week. Here are the Ravens' inactives versus the Texans:
- ILB Roquan Smith
- CB Chidobe Awuzie
- QB Lamar Jackson
- S Kyle Hamilton
- FB Patrick Ricard
- CB Marlon Humphrey
- OT Ronnie Stanley
Jackson (hamstring), Smith (hamstring), Humphrey (calf), Awuzie (hamstring), and Ricard (calf) were all ruled out on Friday.
Hamilton (groin) and Stanley (ankle) were questionable. Hamilton didn't practice Thursday or Friday and Stanley didn't have a full practice at any point this week.
The Ravens did get some good news with outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who will play after suffering an eye injury this week. Wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique) will also play.
The Ravens will lean heavily on their backups, including a handful of Ravens. Veteran Cooper Rush will get his first start as a Raven in relief of Jackson, who left last week's game in Kansas City early. Baltimore has built a game plan around Rush all week.
At cornerback, Jaire Alexander will play for the first time since Week 1. He's been scratched each of the past three games after a rough debut in Buffalo, but feels like he's back to his old self physically. The Ravens will also lean on T.J. Tampa and undrafted rookie Keyon Martin.
At safety, second-year player Sanoussi Kane will make his first career start, stepping in alongside rookie Malaki Starks.
At left tackle, Joe Noteboom will get his first start. He played the majority of last week's game in Kansas City after Stanley exited in the first half.
At inside linebacker, rookie Teddye Buchanan will be joined by Trenton Simpson and veteran Jake Hummel. It remains to be seen who will wear the "green dot helmet" and communicate the Ravens' defensive calls. The logical candidates would be Buchanan or Starks, and communication will be key in raucous M&T Bank Stadium.
With every healthy Raven suiting up, it means the 2025 debut of running back Keaton Mitchell, who will add an explosive spark to the backfield. Fifth-round rookie offensive tackle Carson Vinson will also suit up for the first time.
While the Ravens are very banged up, the Texans are essentially totally healthy.
