Key players will be sidelined for the big Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens clash this afternoon.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported a laundry list of injured players, which includes several Ravens starters. Receivers Rashod Bateman (hamstring) and Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle), All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey (foot) and linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle) are all out, with several others listed as questionable. Outside linebacker David Ojabo (ankle/knee) was moved to injured reserve, with veteran Kyle Van Noy brought in to replace him. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley is doubtful with a knee and isn’t expected to play.
Players out Sunday include Zay Jones, Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman, Marlon Humphrey, David Ojabo, Odafe Oweh, Jaelan Phillips, Jordan Poyer, Lewis Cine, Xavier Woods, Treylon Burks, Peter Skoronski, Irv Smith, Ryan Kelly, Bernhard Raimann, Laremy Tunsil, Josh Jones, Denzel…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 29, 2023
As for the Browns, it appears quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will be good to go from an injury standpoint, but he’s shown to struggle against defenses that are any good. And the Ravens’ defense is very good so far. The 7th-overall ranked unit has held opponents to an average of 18 points per game, 200 yards passing and 92 yards rushing per game.
Given how tight the division is, the outcome will be significant for the Pittsburgh Steelers once playoff seeding is determined later this year.
How does this affect Pittsburgh? They’re next on Baltimore’s hit list and resting this week could have most ready to roll on October 8. If that’s the case, barring any new injuries versus the Browns, the Steelers could be contending with a fairly healthy Ravens roster.
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