The Baltimore Ravens have been dealing with injuries all season, and a recent outbreak of COVID-19 has only served to further decimate a roster that was already a shell of what it once was.
There isn’t a position on the roster that hasn’t dealt with some type of hardship this season. Both sides of the ball have been hit hard, but it’s the defense that’s hurting the most heading into a crucial Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That’s because, as of Saturday morning, the Ravens have just 13 healthy defensive players on their active roster. Mind you, the team is required to field 11 starters on defense.
It’s safe to say that this is as bad as it’s been all season — and that’s saying a lot.
The Ravens defense is depleted going into Week 16
16 defensive players are currently on Baltimore’s active roster, but three of them will enter Sunday’s game with injury designations.
Defensive tackle Calais Campbell (thigh), outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (illness), and safety Brandon Stephens (illness) are all listed as questionable for this week’s game.
Campbell and Stephens were limited during Friday’s practice meaning that they have a good chance to play, but Oweh was held out entirely on Friday leaving his status uncertain.
Aside from those three, the Ravens have Brandon Williams, Justin Ellis, and Broderick Washington as available defensive linemen. Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson are the only other outside linebackers on the active roster.
Meanwhile, Josh Bynes, Patrick Queen, and Malik Harrison (who has been practicing at outside linebacker) are expected to play.
At cornerback, the Ravens have Anthony Averett, Tavon Young (who did not practice on Wednesday due to a concussion), and Kevon Seymour.
Baltimore has just two healthy safeties — Chuck Clark (who was activated from the COVID-19 list on Friday) and veteran special-teamer Anthony Levine Sr.
That’s it, however. No other defensive player is currently on the active roster. Of course, the Ravens will elevate some players from the practice squad as COVID replacements.
Players like Robert Jackson, Tony Jefferson, and Joe Thomas seem like obvious candidates, but don’t rule out others such as Daryl Worley, Mazzi Wilkins, Jordan Richards, Blake Countess, Kahlil McKenzie, and Isaiah Mack.
The Ravens will be able to field a roster — they won’t have to forfeit. But in a season full of misfortune, Week 16 might be as bad as it’s been for the Ravens.