The veteran inside linebacker returned to the lineup in Week 7 after missing the first six games as he recovered from a spinal cord contusion. McClain started against the Steelers practicing for just three days leading up to the game. Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees called McClain's recovery "amazing," and the Ravens have big expectations for him in the second half of the season. He will likely start alongside Daryl Smith in the middle of the defense, and will add depth to the Will linebacker spot along with Josh Bynes and rookie Arthur Brown. McClain had been sidelined for 10 months with the neck injury, and he could make a difference on the defense as he continues to get used to playing again.

The first seven games have not been what Jones expected, as he went down with a knee injury in the first half of the season opener against Denver. Jones then missed the next four games before returning in Week 6. He has nine catches for 98 yards and a touchdown this season, and has just seven kickoff returns for an average of 26.1 yards. The knee injury limited Jones' productiveness and also left a void on the Ravens' offense. Now that he's back in the lineup, he gives the Ravens a dangerous vertical threat and is a game changer on special teams. Jones' emergence in the final nine games could prove critical for a Ravens offense in need of a spark.

The sixth-year running back is having the worst season of his career, but has been hindered by a hip injury. Rice said going into the Week 7 game against Pittsburgh that he was at full strength, and now he's had a week off to allow the injury to heal even more. Rice has been a driver of the offense for the last four seasons, and the Ravens need more production out of him and the running game down the stretch. Rice (86 carries, 242 yards) needs a big second half of the season if he is going to top 1,000 rushing yards for the fifth-straight season.

The Ravens' first-round pick earned a starting job in the second week of the season, and now he has his eyes set on making impact plays. Elam said going into the bye week that he wants to do a better job getting his hands on the football in the second half of the year, and he is still looking for his first professional interception. Elam has drawn praise from teammates and coaches for his play through his first seven career games, and he could be a difference maker for the defense if he comes up with some key turnovers the next few weeks.

Suggs has arguably been the Ravens' best player this season, notching 31 tackles and a team-leading 8.0 sacks. He has lived up to the level of play that he showed in 2011 when he was the league's Defensive Player of the Year, and the Ravens need a strong finish from him for the team to get back on track through the next nine weeks. Suggs has been a leader of the defense this year and the Ravens are counting on that to continue. He said the Ravens were in a "state of emergency" heading into the bye, and part of the responsibility to change that tenor will fall on the 11-year veteran.