The Baltimore Ravens' defense is looking much improved ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. After a disastrous first half in 2024, they rebounded and managed to become one of the most formidable units in the NFL by season’s end. Still, there were question marks heading into the offseason. However, those questions seem to have been answered.
Baltimore added veteran corner Chidobe Awuzie and drafted highly-touted prospects Malaki Starks and Mike Green. Perhaps their biggest move was signing former Green Bay Packers corner Jaire Alexander late in the offseason. The unit is stacked going into 2025, but another question faces the unit this year: will Alexander stay healthy? Thursday’s injury report may have answered that question.
Thursday's injury report pic.twitter.com/Rd5l9z3RbQ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 4, 2025
Alexander was a full participant in practice on Thursday. It was the first time he had practiced since August 9. With so much time off the field and a nagging injury history, it is not a guarantee he will suit up on Sunday night, but the optimism around his status is growing.
Jaire Alexander practicing is a game-changer
The two-time Pro Bowler is expected to be the starting boundary corner opposite of second-year pro Nate Wiggins. That duo in itself is already loaded with talent, but add in All-Pro Marlon Humphrey, and you have one of the best corner trios in the league. And that does not even include safeties Starks and Kyle Hamilton.
While Buffalo’s talent at wide receiver is not dazzling, you have to come prepared when going up against a player of Josh Allen’s caliber. The reigning MVP has a cannon of an arm, and while Humphrey should handle their leading receiver, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Josh Palmer are viable options who need attention. That makes Alexander’s availability for Week 1 crucial.
If Alexander is on the field, defensive coordinator Zach Orr can feel super confident in his pass defense. Despite the recent injury history, he has remained a top player at his position. In seven games last year, before he tore his PCL, Alexander registered a 77.3 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. That was good for 16th among 222 qualifying corners. In coverage, he had an 80.7 grade, the ninth-best mark in the NFL.
Buffalo’s passing offense was ninth in the league last year, accounting for 3,875 yards through the air. While none of their receivers tallied 1,000-plus yards, they are a strong unit nonetheless, especially if Coleman breaks out in his second season.
If Alexander is not active on Sunday, Baltimore will rely on Awuzie and second-year corner T.J. Tampa. However, it appears he is on track to play, and the rest of the defense could not be happier.