With little on the line in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens have decided to rest a number of starters.
Quarterback Joe Flacco was replaced by second-year backup Tyrod Taylor after the second series for the offense. Running back Ray Rice, center Matt Birk, left tackle Michael Oher (who later came back because of injury) and safety Ed Reed are also sitting after playing the first two series.
In addition to pulling some of their starters, the Ravens also opted to deactivate some stars who are dealing with injuries.
Linebackers Ray Lewis (triceps) and Terrell Suggs (biceps), safety Bernard Pollard (chest), wide receiver Anquan Boldin (shoulder), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee) and right guard Marshal Yanda (ankle) were all scratched to get a week of rest before the playoffs start. Wide receiver Tandon Doss (ankle) was also inactive.
The regular-season finale has minimal playoff implications for either team, as the Bengals are locked in at the No. 6 seed, and the Ravens are set to be the No. 3 or No. 4 seed.
However, the Ravens did have two offensive starters leave the game with undisclosed injuries. Fullback Vonta Leach left the game after getting hurt on the second play, and rookie right tackle Kelechi Osemele walked to the locker room with a member of the training staff after appearing to suffer a leg injury.
