The Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders could be a game where injuries play a big factor. Let’s checkout the injury report:
The Baltimore Ravens are about to take on the Oakland Raiders in a tough road trip. The following players are listed as out on the Ravens official injury report:
- Brandon Williams (DT)
- Maxx Williams (TE)
Brandon Williams not being in the action is bad news for the Ravens but it isn’t surprising. This is the third straight game in which Williams has been listed as out. The Raiders running game will be a heavy focus in this game. Le’Veon Bell just rushed for 144 yards on the Ravens; Marshawn Lynch will be looking for the same kind of success. The Ravens defense looked dominant in the first two weeks of the season but then things went south. The absence of Brandon Williams is one thing that can be pointed to as a major reason for the decline. Maxx Williams being out isn’t that big of a deal, but you have to wonder if the former second round pick can ever stay healthy.
Ravens listed as Questionable:
- Jeremy Maclin (WR)
- Jimmy Smith (CB)
- Anthony Levine Sr. (DB)
- Ben Watson (TE)
- Lardarius Webb (CB)
Whether or not Derek Carr plays in this game, Jimmy Smith is an essential player for the purple and black. The Ravens can’t go shorthanded at the cornerback position, the Raiders have really good receiving options. Michael Crabtree made the Ravens pay last year in Baltimore, so the Ravens are quite aware of that. Smith is expected to play in this game but the fact that he was banged up this week is concerning. I’d expect the Raiders to test Smith out early in this game.
Ben Watson questionable after missing 2 practices (calf) but likely to play. Others questionable:Webb (thigh), Maclin (hand), Levine (thigh)
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) October 6, 2017
The Ravens need Jeremy Maclin and Ben Watson to win this game. The offense has very few weapons. In the passing game, they’re the only two players that Flacco seems to have chemistry with. It’s been a rough start to the season for Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman. If Maclin and Watson weren’t able to go the offense would be in even worse shape. It looks like the Ravens will have them ready to go, so don’t be too nervous about that.
Coach Harbaugh said that CB Jimmy Smith is good to go after returning to practice today.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 6, 2017
Ravens listed as doubtful:
- Jaylen Hill (CB)
This isn’t too big of a deal unless Jimmy Smith has a setback. Hill hasn’t played in a regular season game yet this season.
Next: 3 Baltimore Ravens vital to beating the Raiders
Oakland Raiders listed as Questionable:
The Raiders could just be having some gamesmanship by listing Carr as questionable, because he was expected to miss multiple weeks. If Carr plays it changes the complexion of this game. With Carr the Raiders have a potent offensive attack that is ready to burst out for a big game. Without Carr the Raiders weapons could have trouble getting the football. It would almost be a good thing if Carr played. If the Ravens can beat the Raiders on the road, with Carr it could spark some life into the rest of the season. If the Ravens beat Oakland without Carr, you’d have to wonder what would have happened if Oakland had their leader.
- Derek Carr (QB)
- David Amerson (CB)
- Gareon Conley (CB)
- Gabe Jackson (OG)
- DeAndre Washington (RB)