DT Michael Pierce:

Pierce is expected back this week after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. If Pierce indeed does return to the lineup, he’ll get thrown to the wolves against the 49ers’ second-ranked rushing attack.

On the positive side, the Ravens have handled themselves well inside with the defensive line having missed just two tackles on 35 opportunities this season — the best rate in the league, according to Inside Edge.

If Pierce can get penetration into the backfield or even just eat up space, it’ll do wonders for the rest of Baltimore’s defense. They’ll be able to commit more defenders into the secondary, which is their greatest asset right now and could create some big turnovers in the sloppy conditions.