Tag: Patrick Mekari

Ravens vs. Bengals injury report: Who’s playing and who isn’t in Week 17

Here’s which Ravens and Bengals players have already been ruled out and which ones are simply “questionable” with injuries in Week 17.

The Baltimore Ravens are in a win-and-in situation this week and only need to beat the Cincinnati Bengals to claim one of seven spots in the AFC playoff picture. It’s just one step in the goal to win a championship, but first Baltimore needs to prove it belongs. And the Ravens might have to do that without quite a few starters again this week.

Though no one was officially ruled out, having 10 players “questionable” for this game also appears to be a bit of a misnomer as well. Center Patrick Mekari, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, and wide receiver Willie Snead have missed all three days of practice this week. As we’ve seen often under coach John Harbaugh, players missing that much practice time are usually going to be held out. In addition, cornerback Jimmy Smith never fully returned to practice, being limited the final two days. New injuries to running back Gus Edwards and tackle D.J. Fluker on Friday are concerning as well.

If Baltimore can get far healthier than they look right now, they could be a real threat in the playoffs. But if they’re down several starting players on both sides of the ball, it’s going to make a tough road far tougher.

Take a look at Friday’s injury report to see which players are already ruled out and which ones are simply questionable for both the Ravens and Bengals.

6 takeaways from Ravens’ 27-13 win over Giants

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants by the score of 27-13 in Week 16. We take a look at six key takeaways from the game

The Baltimore Ravens were able to pull out a 27-13 win over the New York Giants in Week 16 to move to 10-5 on the 2020 season. The game featured a high-powered Baltimore offense which ran all over the Giants’ high-ranked run defense, as the Ravens rushed for just under 250 yards on the ground and passed for almost 200 yards.

It was a well-balanced win for Baltimore, which saw major contributions by Lamar Jackson, J.K. Dobbins, Mark Andrews, Chris Board, and many others. While there were certain areas that Baltimore struggled in, all that matters is that the Ravens were able to come out with a victory and now control their playoff destiny due to the fact that both the Colts and Browns lost on Sunday.

Let’s dive into some major takeaways from Baltimore’s Week 16 win over New York.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh uncertain about C Patrick Mekari’s back injury

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was uncertain about starting center Patrick Mekari’s back following the Week 16 game vs. the Giants.

After suffering an early back injury against the Giants, Baltimore Ravens’ center Patrick Mekari was sidelined and quickly downgraded from questionable to out. In his post-game chat, head coach John Harbaugh seemed optimistic the injury wasn’t serious, but arguably left us all with more questions than answers given his general uncertainty about the issue.

“His back tightened up on him, so we’ll have to get that looked at and see what it is,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t think we think it’s going to be anything that’ll keep him out for an extended period, but we’ll always have to look at a back and see.”

Matt Skura, who had been benched in favor of Mekari after starting the first 10 games this season, filled in admirably to finish the game. But noticeable snap issues reappeared almost instantly, reminding us all why Skura was benched in the first place.

Baltimore has rebounded well in December after a dreadful November performance that put a major dent in their playoff hopes. Mekari, who is likely the Ravens’ answer at center as they look toward the postseason, could be one of the catalysts of that rebound. His consistent play in recent weeks has certainly been critical in a season riddled with offensive line injuries and reshuffling.

His availability moving forward is something Baltimore’s coaches and fans will need to monitor, especially when the competition in the playoffs takes a significant jump from the stretch of games Baltimore has played leading up to them.

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Ravens injuries: C Patrick Mekari questionable to return with back injury

The Baltimore Ravens are down their starting center Patrick Mekari, who is questionable to return with a back injury.

The Baltimore Ravens are playing their most dominant football of the season, beating up the New York Giants so far in the first half of Week 16. But early in the second quarter, center Patrick Mekari went to the sideline slowly. He’s since been ruled questionable to return with a back injury, according to the team’s Twitter account.

Skura took Mekari’s place, seeing the offense march down the field but fail to punch it into the end zone and having to settle for a field goal. While the Ravens are still finding success both on the ground and through the air in this game, the offensive line has unquestionably been better with Mekari in the starting center spot.

Mekari has been spotted on the sideline trying to stretch out the injury, so there’s still some hope he’ll be able to return. But with Baltimore already up 17-0 with less than five minutes left in the first half, it might be wiser for the Ravens to sit Mekari and get him healthy for next week and potentially the playoffs.

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Ravens activate 4 from Reserve/COVID-19 list including RB J.K. Dobbins

The Baltimore Ravens returned four more players from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday, as the team is coming back to full strength.

The Baltimore Ravens placed a total of 23 players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list in the 10 days leading up their Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, as they prepare for the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13, the Ravens are getting some of those guys back.

Baltimore announced on Friday afternoon that they’ve activated the following four players from the Reserve/COVID-19 list:

  • RB J.K. Dobbins
  • OLB Pernell McPhee
  • C/G Patrick Mekari
  • C/G Matt Skura

Getting Dobbins back into the lineup is a major boon for the Ravens. While he’s been a part of a four-man backfield, Dobbins had really started to separate from the pack over the last few weeks. Dobbins rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against the Tennessee Titans and had previously ripped off 113 yards on 15 carries against the Steelers in Week 8.

Both Mekari and Skura had started in Week 11. However, after some terrible snaps the previous few weeks, Mekari took the starting center job from Skura who played as an extra lineman against the Titans. Still, getting both back should help solidify the Ravens’ offensive line, something they’ll desperately need if they want to get back to the postseason.

McPhee might not be a household name but he’s been effective for Baltimore this season. Playing in 10 games this season, McPhee has two sacks, one pass defensed, 25 combined tackles, and 11 quarterback hits. Combine his efforts with Matthew Judon and Calais Campbell (both still on the Reserve/COVID-19 list), as well as newcomer Yannick Ngakoue, and the Ravens have a pretty formidable defensive front.

It’s likely more players will come off the Reserve/COVID-19 list in the coming days. With Baltimore set to take on the Cowboys on Tuesday, there’s even the possibility players like quarterback Lamar Jackson could return and play against Dallas.

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What Lamar Jackson’s positive COVID-19 test means for Ravens

The worst-case scenario happened Thursday. Here’s what Lamar Jackson’s COVID-19 test means for the Baltimore Ravens moving forward.

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Though the Baltimore Ravens already have 10 players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list as well as several staff members who have tested positive, there was still a glimmer of hope remaining. As long as the Ravens had Lamar Jackson at quarterback, anything seemed possible this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Baltimore got one of its worst-case scenarios on Thursday as Jackson tested positive for COVID-19, among four players and several staff members who tested positive.

While everyone hopes all the players, staff members, and their families stay safe and don’t suffer any ill effects, this is about as big of a blow as the Ravens could get from a football perspective. As it stands, Baltimore already had several starters on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, further stressing a roster that has already been thinned massively due to injuries.

With Jackson testing positive and third-string quarterback Trace McSorley among the group already on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Baltimore would be down to just two healthy quarterbacks. Robert Griffin III would likely start Sunday against the Steelers while undrafted free agent Tyler Huntley would be the only backup.

Though Griffin is no slouch as a quarterback — earning a Pro Bowl nod and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award — he doesn’t come close to Jackson’s talent, speed, and rushing ability. The Ravens helped Griffin revive his career after spending 2017 out of the game, but he hasn’t offered much in the way of production for Baltimore. Griffin has played in 13 games with the Ravens, starting one, completing 56.5% of his 46 passing attempts for 255 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while averaging just 2.8 yards-per-carry and no touchdowns on 25 rushing attempts.

The Ravens are missing both running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins, as well as centers Matt Skura and Patrick Mekari after positive COVID-19 tests this week. On top of the other injuries Baltimore has suffered this season, the wide receiver corps would be the only offensive unit not yet hit by the coronavirus or season-ending injury to a starter. The defense isn’t looking much better with starters Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams, and Pernell McPhee all going on the Reserve/COVID-19 list this week.

With Jackson testing positive for COVID-19, he’s held out a minimum of 10 days from the date of the initial positive test, or five days with two consecutively negative tests if he was asymptomatic, per Sporting News’ Tadd Haislop. If Jackson is showing any symptoms, he’ll be out for a minimum of 10 days and 72 hours after last experiencing symptoms. Testing positive Thursday would mean Jackson will definitely miss Sunday’s game against the Steelers but would also miss Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Baltimore sits at 6-4 entering Week 12. While this game wasn’t necessarily a must-win matchup, a loss would all but concede the AFC North to Pittsburgh this season. It would also do quite a bit of damage to the Ravens’ chances in the AFC playoff picture, turning the final five weeks into must-win games. Not having Jackson in the lineup, as well as a whole bunch of other starters, would make Baltimore’s job a lot harder. And considering the Ravens haven’t exactly been world-beaters up to this point, it’s tough seeing the team make the postseason after earning the No. 1 seed last year.

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Ravens place Calais Campbell, Matt Skura, Patrick Mekari on Reserve/COVID-19 list

The Baltimore Ravens placed Calais Campbell, Matt Skura, and Patrick Mekari on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

As expected, the Baltimore Ravens are continuing to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak this week. Per the team’s Twitter account, Baltimore placed defensive end Calais Campbell, as well as centers Patrick Mekari and Matt Skura on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Due to the Ravens’ continued outbreak, the NFL has pushed their Week 12 game with the Steelers back to Sunday. Though that takes away a prime time matchup on Thanksgiving, it ultimately allows Baltimore to continue testing and contact tracing.

The team’s report doesn’t note whether the players tested positive themselves or if they were considered close contacts. While that will determine if they have to miss a minimum of five days or 10 days, none will be eligible to play this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers regardless.

Those three losses loom large for the Ravens. Campbell has been an outstanding addition to this defense this season, shoring up the run and adding a far more consistent pass rush. However, due to injuries, this will be Campbell’s third-consecutive missed game this season. Skura had been demoted as the starting center but played last week in rotation at right guard. Replacing Skura at center last week was Mekari, meaning Baltimore’s already beat-up offensive line is taking further losses they can’t much afford right now.

With the addition of running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram, as well as defensive lineman Brandon Williams, and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, that means the Ravens will be missing several starters on both sides of the ball this week and potentially next week as well. If Baltimore wants to get back to the playoffs this season, that means they’re close to being in must-win territory at 6-4.

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Ravens benching C Matt Skura vs. Titans

After a game in which he had several terrible snaps, the Baltimore Ravens are putting Matt Skura on the bench in favor of Patrick Mekari.

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Skura had a pretty bad game last week. Though it was in a torrential downpour, several of Skura’s snaps were wildly off the mark. Unfortunately, quite a few of those bad snaps happened at the worst times possible, including on a fourth-down attempt that squirted behind running back Mark Ingram for a massive loss and turnover on downs.

In Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans, the Ravens are going to see what Patrick Mekari can do at the position instead. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo, Baltimore is benching Skura for at least this week with Mekari taking over the starting center job.

Skura made a relatively quick recovery from a devastating knee injury suffered last season. Despite tearing his ACL, MCL, PCL and dislocating his knee cap late last season, Skura was able to rehabilitate and make it back to the team in time for training camp. Whether Skura’s injury isn’t quite healed or he’s still dealing with the mental hurdles of such a gruesome injury is unclear but it’s not the first time this season he’s struggled.

With the offensive line already in shambles following the season-ending injuries to left tackle Ronnie Stanley and right guard Tyre Phillips, making further changes will hopefully improve the play of the entire unit. When Skura went down with his injury last season, Mekari was the one who took over the starting duties, playing well in his stead.

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Ravens C Matt Skura passed his physical

Less than a year after a gruesome knee injury that ended his season, Baltimore Ravens center Matt Skura is set to return to the field.

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Skura has been one of the more inspirational stories this offseason. After suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, Skura has worked incredibly hard to get back on the field. And as the Ravens put on pads for the first time, Skura will be able to do that. According to the league’s transaction report, Skura has passed his physical and can practice with the team.

Skura tore his ACL, MCL, PCL, and dislocated his knee cap on Nov. 25, in a Week 12 game against the Los Angeles Rams. These types of knee injuries used to be career enders but now players routinely rehabilitate and return to the field about a year later, with it taking a little longer to actually get back up to 100% physically and mentally. Though Skura has been working hard, posting videos of his impressive workouts along the way, a return to the practice field in pads would be an impressive feat. It’s one Baltimore could really use as well.

Center is one of the few positions that have a bit of a competition at training camp. When Skura wasn’t expected to be back to 100% yet, it was figured the team would let guys like Patrick Mekari and Bradley Bozeman jockey for a potential starting spot. But if Skura truly is back, Baltimore’s coaching staff might be able to turn their attention to other competitions. They’d also return 10-of-11 starters from last season’s top-scoring offense.

In the 11 games Skura started for Baltimore last season, the offense put up 2,316 rushing yards combined (210.55 yards per game on average). That alone would have topped the entire NFL last season, not even counting the extra they put on in the final few weeks to break a 41-year old record. For his part, Skura was outstanding, earning a 68.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus and allowing just one sack over 11 games.

As the Ravens truly open training camp for the first time this offseason, they’re seeing puzzle pieces come into place.

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Ravens give first hint at starting offensive line at training camp

Baltimore Ravens center Patrick Mekari posted a photo that hints at what the Baltimore Ravens’ starting offensive line looks like at camp.

The Baltimore Ravens have been ramping up at training camp for the last few weeks. While reporters aren’t yet allowed at the facility, the team has given little glimpses of what’s going on at the Under Armour Performance Center. One such glimpse included the first hint of what the offensive line could look like in Week 1.

Center Patrick Mekari posted a photo of practice for his birthday, showing four of the five offensive linemen lined up to snap the ball. With Orlando Brown Jr. manning right tackle and Bradley Bozeman at left guard, this looks to be the very first starting lineup Baltimore is putting on the field.

Though we shouldn’t take this image as definitive proof since the Ravens are holding competitions for both starting guard jobs and potentially at center as well, it’s pretty much what many expected the starting lineup to look like. With veterans finally getting on the field for the first time this week, Brown and Bozeman being in their respective spots in the photo point to it being the current starting lineup at Ravens training camp.

Left tackle Left guard Center Right guard Right tackle
Ronnie Stanley Bradley Bozeman Patrick Mekari D.J. Fluker Orlando Brown Jr.

As the most experienced of the guards on the roster, Fluker was expected to get the first crack at replacing Marshal Yanda at right guard. Though he’ll also be competing with Ben Powers, Tyre Phillips, and Ben Bredeson; it seems like it’s Fluker’s job to lose right now.

With Matt Skura still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Mekari would be the next obvious choice at center. Mekari played well in Skura’s stead after he suffered a gruesome knee injury last season. Though Skura would likely hold the starting job once he returns, Mekari getting the nod right now is a good sign for a guy who could be on the roster bubble.

We still have several weeks remaining before the regular season starts and there is nearly an infinite number of things that can happen between now and then. This very well might not be anywhere close to what the Ravens’ starting offensive line looks like in Week 1, but for now, it seems to be what Baltimore is rolling with.

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