The Baltimore Ravens won’t have it easy in Week 7. Not only may they be without Lamar Jackson in another tough divisional matchup, but it’s a Cincinnati Bengals team coming fresh off the bye week.
The Bengals are completely healthy. The Ravens have a few blips on their injury report. It’s a well-rested group against one that’s banged up and been through the trials and tribulations of a six-game stretch to start the 2026 campaign.
In what’s expected to be a tightly contested AFC North battle, injuries could turn the tide. In that area, Baltimore is at a slight disadvantage.
Baltimore Ravens’ health could be a troubling problem vs. Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7
The Bengals’ bye week treated them extremely well. The only player who popped up on the injury report all week was backup safety Kyle Dugger (triceps). He was limited Wednesday and a full participant Thursday and Friday — he’s healthy. And for the most part, the rest of their squad is, too.
Now, the Ravens aren’t injured to all heck. Four players had game-status designations exiting Friday’s practice. However, a couple are big ones.
The obvious one is Lamar Jackson. He was limited all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. He’s still feeling pain in his ankle, though, and there’s a good chance he won’t be available.
If Jackson can’t start, Tyler Huntley will once again be asked to keep Baltimore’s head above water. Last week, the Huntley-led offense was awful — they can’t afford similar results against the Bengals. If Huntley and the rushing attack’s issues persist, Joe Burrow and company will outpace them.
Another sudden concern revealed itself, too. Tavius Robinson was ruled out for the season on Friday with a pectoral injury. That’s a core piece to the defensive line out of action, and he won’t be easy to replace.
Without Robinson, the Ravens face the challenge of replacing a versatile edge defender who was doing damage as a pass rusher and run defender. Life won’t be fun without him.
And in Week 7, Baltimore will have to ask young players Zion Young and Ethan Burke to step up. Their performances could be troublesome in their first game with higher snap counts.
Jaylinn Hawkins is another starter out, but given how bad he was, Keondre Jackson could step up in his role. There’s also so much versatility in the secondary that missing one of three starting safeties shouldn’t be a huge problem.
The overarching theme is the Ravens are banged up. In addition to the danger of missing key players, guys like Trey Hendrickson, Ronnie Stanley, and Rashod Bateman have played through injuries. They’re healthy enough to play, but while Cincinnati gets a bye week to rest up, they have to fight through another week.
There’s no complaining here. This is football; injuries are bound to happen. Still, it gives the Bengals a small leg up. Hopefully Baltimore’s homefield advantage evens the score.
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