The Baltimore Ravens' 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was an offensive masterclass, but it may have come at a steep cost.
Lamar Jackson has been unstoppable once again this season, and after torching the Bucs for 281 yards and five touchdowns, a third MVP award is now his to lose. But don’t get too caught up in Jackson’s brilliance, because if you blink, you might miss Derrick Henry breaking loose for an 81-yard run down the sideline.
Henry had another incredible night, racking up 169 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown, adding to what’s shaping up to be one of the most impressive seasons by a running back in decades.
As for the defense, they clogged up the rushing lanes but got torched through the air - what else is new? There’s plenty of low-hanging fruit to pick apart with this group, but the team finds ways to win despite having the worst pass defense in the league. Just imagine what could happen once they actually figure it out. Heck, they've won five in a row.
The biggest reason the Ravens are riding a five-game winning streak is their health. Baltimore has been one of if not the healthiest teams in the NFL. Knocks on wood. But things could be changing quickly in that department.
Updated Ravens injury report for Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns
When looking at the updated report, there are a few names that stick out like a sore thumb.
Humphrey, who snagged both interceptions, landed awkwardly on his knee while making an incredible, physics-defying grab on the second one. He managed to walk to the locker room under his own power, but it was soon reported that he wouldn’t be returning to the game.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers also left the game temporarily with an ankle injury. The injury came on a potential hip-drop tackle by a Bucs defender that wasn’t flagged or later reviewed.
The Ravens have a division matchup against the Cleveland Browns this weekend. While the Browns will be without their starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, veteran backup Jameis Winston is set to start and present new challenges.
Did not participate:
- WR - Zay Flowers (ankle)
- CB - Marlon Humphrey (knee)
- RB - Rasheen Ali (ankle)
- CB - T.J. Tampa (ankle)
Limited participation:
- DT - Travis Jones (ankle)
- RB - Keaton Mitchell (knee)
Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins looked good at practice and participated in full. The same cannot be said for another important player. Travis Jones did participate, but it was reported he wasn't moving around well. Jones' ankle injury will be one to monitor as he's been the Ravens' best defensive player this season.
A pair of Ravens corners were full participants as well in Arthur Maulet (knee) and Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring). This will be crucial if Humphrey is a no-go for Sunday or if Wiggins has any unsuspected setbacks.
A lot will be riding on the health of Flowers, Humphrey, and Jones. Having the three of them on the field this Sunday will be massive. The Browns might be 1-6, but it's never wise to overlook any opponent, no matter how inferior they may seem.