Entering their Week 16 matchup, the Baltimore Ravens have had several questions surrounding the status of key players. Their injury report throughout the week saw many starters miss practice, which may stack the odds against them once they take the field against the 11-3 New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football.
Thankfully, Head Coach John Harbaugh provided encouraging updates on the most important players in question, but uncertainty remains surrounding a couple of proven veterans. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot) was listed as doubtful after Friday’s practice, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee/ankle), safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle), and defensive tackle John Jenkins (illness) are all questionable.
Without Awuzie, Baltimore could turn to cornerback T.J. Tampa. The two biggest names are Stanley and Hamilton, but both practiced for most of the week and have toughed it out through injuries all year long. Jenkins, though, seems to be an unknown.
Harbaugh is optimistic that Jenkins will be ready for game time, though. Following the practice, he provided an update on the situation surrounding the 36-year-old.
“That’s illness-related. I think [Jenkins] should be okay by gameday,” Harbaugh said. “Little flu bug going around, and he got it. They found him.”
John Jenkins misses another practice on Friday
While Harbaugh’s update was encouraging, you can never be 100% sure with illnesses. However, with a veteran like Jenkins, it would not come as a shock to anyone if he is able to play through it. Regardless, the Ravens desperately need him out there.
Baltimore’s defensive line has been struggling in 2025. Along with defensive tackle Travis Jones, Jenkins has been one of the few consistent playmakers. He may not put up flashy numbers, but he has been a constant contributor on nearly every down.
According to Pro Football Focus, ranks as the 26th-best defensive lineman in football this year. Through 14 games, he has turned in a 68.9 overall grade, including a 69.1 pass rush grade and 64.3 run defense grade.
Jenkins’ impact also goes beyond the statsheet. At 6-foot-3, 327 pounds, Jenkins eats up space in the middle of the line, allowing others like Jones and the team’s outside linebackers to find favorable matchups.
The Patriots have an emerging rushing attack with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson emerging in recent weeks. He ran wild for 148 yards in their loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, and has 60 or more rushing yards in six of his last seven games.
The duo of Jenkins and Jones will play a huge role in limiting Henderson and company, and if Jones cannot suit up, the Ravens could find themselves in a whole world of trouble.