Injuries Up The Middle
The Ravens are dealing with some key injuries in the middle of their defense.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (knee) and middle linebacker Daryl Smith (thigh) are both listed as questionable after missing practice time during the week. Starting defensive end Chris Canty (knee) also missed some practice time this week, but is listed as probable.
Ngata, who was injured last Sunday, did not practice at all this week. He has dealt with injuries in recent years, and was able to return to last week's game after suffering the injury.
Smith has battled a thigh injury in recent weeks, and he briefly had to leave last week's game in the second half because of it. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but returned to action Friday.
If Smith is unable to play, Jameel McClain and Josh Bynes will get the start at inside linebacker. If Ngata is out, the Ravens will likely turn to Terrence Cody, DeAngelo Tyson and Brandon Williams to play increased reps in the middle of the line.
Suggs Probable After Full Practice
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs first landed on the injury report Thursday with a neck injury, which forced him to be a limited participant in practice.
The injury does not appear to be serious, as he returned to practice as a full participant Friday and is listed as probable.
Secondary Banged Up
The Ravens also have some injury issues in the secondary, as starting safety James Ihedigbo (toe) and cornerbacks Lardarius Webb (groin) and Jimmy Smith (groin) are listed as questionable.
Webb missed practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a limited participant on Friday. Smith and Ihedigbo were both limited in practice all week. They also dealt with the injuries last week, but were still able to start against the Bengals and the secondary had arguably its best game of the season.
If Webb or Smith are unable to play, Corey Graham would likely start and Chykie Brown would see increased time. Safeties Omar Brown, Anthony Levine or Brynden Trawick would likely play in place in Ihedigbo if he is out.
Brown Questionable, Stokley Probable
The Ravens had an addition to the injury report Friday as starting wide receiver Marlon Brown missed practice with a knee problem. Brown, who tore his ACL last season, is officially listed as questionable.
If Brown can't play, Jacoby Jones would likely start. Tandon Doss and Deonte Thompson would then see increased time on offense.
Veteran receiver Brandon Stokley (thigh) could also make his return to the field in nearly two months. He was a full participant in practice all week and is officially listed as probable.
The only other injury concern for the Ravens is running back Bernard Pierce (toe/knee), who is probable.
Bears Missing Key Players
The Bears will be without some key plays in this week's matchup, as starting quarterback Jay Cutler (ankle), linebacker Lance Briggs (shoulder) and reserve defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (groin) have all been ruled out.
Defensive end Shea McClellin, one of the team's best defenders, is also doubtful with a hamstring injury. Long snapper Patrick Mannelly (calf) is also doubtful.
The other injury issues for the Bears are tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle) and starting right tackle Jordan Mills (quad). Bennette is questionable and Mills is probable.
