The Baltimore Ravens entered practice week with many key starters dealing with health concerns. Most notably, quarterback Lamar Jackson was dealing with flu symptoms, left tackle Ronnie Stanley was nursing knee and ankle issues, and linebacker Roquan Smith also popped up on Wednesday’s injury report with a knee injury.
Head Coach John Harbaugh provided encouraging updates on all three of those starters following Wednesday’s practice. On Thursday, all three were back on the field. Still, the Ravens had a lengthy injury report.
Stanley, center Tyler Linderbaum (knee), and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quad) were limited. While they should be ready to suit up in Week 16 against the New England Patriots, the biggest question this week has become the health of veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
Awuzie injured his foot in the team’s Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He has missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice, putting his status in question.
If Awuzie is not able to play against the Patriots, that would likely put second-year corner T.J. Tampa in line for significant playing time.
T.J. Tampa could be in line for potential breakout in Week 16
All year, it has felt like Tampa has traded rotational reps with undrafted rookie corner Keyon Martin. However, with Martin a healthy scratch in Week 15 and Awuzie still unavailable due to his foot injury, Tampa may be trending in the direction of getting a real opportunity to break out this week.
If Awuzie is out against New England, Baltimore could manage their shallow corner room by utilizing the versatility of safeties Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington at that spot. Hamilton can play anywhere on the field, and Washington is a strong option in the slot. They can also use cornerback Marlon Humphrey on both the outside and in the slot.
Regardless, Tampa should have a bigger role. He has proved worthy of reps, even in just 133 snaps in 2025. He took eight defensive snaps last week, posting a 67.3 grade, per Pro Football Focus. This year, he has an overall grade of 61.9 and a very good coverage grade of 69.8.
The Patriots’ passing attack could give Tampa trouble. They average 241.8 passing yards per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Their offensive unit may not have many flashy weapons, but quarterback Drake Maye has had his way with opposing defenses in his second pro season.
Tampa has yet to have a true statement game, but has put together some encouraging performances throughout the season. If given the runway on Sunday night, he could carve out a role as a go-to rotational piece moving forward.