Ravens: 4 matchups to watch in Week 9 against the Vikings
By Rémy Cabache
3. Justin Madubuike and Justin Ellis vs. Mason Cole
Like the Ravens, the Vikings are dealing with injury and health issues. Heading into this game, no issue looms larger than starting center Garrett Bradbury being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Bradbury has yet to miss a snap this season and is a critical piece on the offensive line. In his place, Mason Cole will start.
Cole started 32 games in three seasons for the Arizona Cardinals since being drafted in the third round in 2018 and was traded to the Vikings this offseason for a sixth-round selection.
The Vikings’ offensive line has been solid this season and Harbaugh said on Friday he doesn’t expect there to be much of a drop-off from Bradbury to Cole. Nevertheless, giving Cole a tough welcome should be a key focus of this game.
Brandon Williams is listed as questionable and was a limited participant on Friday having not practiced at all earlier in the week, so that job may fall largely on the two Justins, Ellis and Madubuike.
Minnesota will try to establish the run early, and getting pressure on Kirk Cousins is crucial to limiting their success through the air. Ellis and Madubuike need to pressure Cole in his first start of the year and can set the tone from the interior of the front seven.