The Baltimore Ravens injury reports this season has often resembled novels more than a list of injured players on an NFL team. But at least for Week 14, the Ravens have received a bit of good news.
This week’s injury report might just be the shortest it’s been all season. Of course, it still features eight total players and doesn’t include the 17 players currently on injured reserve. But let’s be optimists for a moment.
The Ravens officially ruled right tackle Patrick Mekari out with an ankle injury after he aggravated it in the team’s 20-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. Wide receiver Miles Boykin is also doubtful with a finger injury again. He hasn’t played since Week 10.
The likes of Anthony Averett (knee), Nick Boyle (knee/illness), Anthony Levine Sr. (knee), Patrick Ricard (back), Brandon Stephens (shoulder), and Chris Westry (thigh) are all listed as questionable.
Game status for Week 14: pic.twitter.com/F7RqalPabr
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 10, 2021
The Ravens will be without their starting right tackle in Week 14
Of the six players listed as questionable, three of them were full participants on Friday. Cornerbacks Anthony Averett and Chris Westry as well as safety Brandon Stephens were all full participants in practice and are expected to play.
The same might not be the case for Boyle, Levine, and Ricard who were all limited participants on Friday. However, it’s worth noting that Mekari was the only player who was forced to miss Friday’s practice due to injury.
Boyle and Ricard did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before doing so in a limited capacity on Friday. If either is unable to play, expect veteran Eric Tomlinson to have a larger role on Sunday.
Losing Ricard, who’s in line for his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, would be a major blow to the Ravens’ offense. Boyle was forced to sit out last week after seemingly aggravating his knee injury.
Still, the Ravens are healthier than they’ve been in a while heading into their Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. That is, if you ignore the almost two-dozen players on injured reserve.