After a week of seemingly no injuries, the Baltimore Ravens are once again dealing with some wounds on the offensive and defensive sides of the football. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was the center of attention on Wednesday after missing practice with knee soreness, but Head Coach John Harbaugh made it quite clear that he should be ready for Sunday, and could be back as soon as Thursday.
The most significant blow for now is the injury to cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey played through a finger injury in Baltimore’s Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings, and it clearly ailed him throughout the contest. Following Wednesday’s practice, Harbaugh confirmed that Humphrey would be out for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
The minor finger procedure should not keep him out too much longer, and a return in Week 12 should be in the cards. However, it puts the spotlight on the team’s cornerback depth headed into their Week 11 matchup. They are looking to extend their winning streak to four games in Cleveland, and the Browns' passing attack has been lackluster under rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, they still have weapons that can give Baltimore’s pass coverage fits.
Tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. are the main two receiving options the Ravens need to watch out for, but wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are capable of causing problems, as well. That makes veteran corner Chidobe Awuzie’s performance in Week 11 key.
Spotlight set to be on Chidobe Awuzie amid Humphrey injury
Awuzie has been a strong starting piece on the outside opposite of second-year corner Nate Wiggins in 2025. After signing with the team in the offseason on a one-year, $1.255 million deal, Awuzie has been exactly what the Ravens need.
Since the acquisition of safety Alohi Gilman, Awuzie has taken a bit of a backseat, but has still been a key contributor in Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s secondary. In seven games, he has registered a 73.7 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. That mark ranks 12th in the NFL among 109 qualifying cornerbacks, and his 76.1 coverage is fifth-best.
Awuzie will likely be back in the starting unit with Humphrey out. He has quietly made his presence known all season, but with him taking on a larger role in Cleveland, he has the perfect chance to cement his claim as the steal of this past offseason.
Harbaugh talked about what Awuzie brings to the defense following Wednesday’s practice.
“Chido’s been doing great. He’s been playing really well, and he’s a pro,” Harbaugh said. “He knows how to play…Sometimes you play so well, you don’t get noticed because nothing happens, especially at corner. I thought he played great, and I’m sure glad he’s on our team.”
Awuzie played a huge part in locking down Minnesota’s wide receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and there should be bigger things in store for him on Sunday against the Browns.