Ravens vs. Jaguars: Thursday injury update

Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun tweeted the following injury news after the Baltimore Ravens Thursday practice:

Defensive tackle Brandon Williams missed his second straight practice after being knocked out of the game on Sunday with a foot injury. The big man has suited up for every game since 2014, but with a long flight across the Atlantic upcoming, missing these practices puts his availability in doubt.

If the space eater is unable to go on Sunday, his absence could be noticeable considering Jacksonville’s propensity to run the ball on the interior with powerful rookie back Leonard Fournette. Fortunately defensive tackle is the deepest position on the entire Ravens roster. A rotation of Michael Pierce, Carl Davis, Brent Urban and possibly Willie Henry or Patrick Ricard is capable of plugging up most running lanes in Williams’ stead. Edge defender Za’Darius Smith returned to practice on Wednesday, if he plays it will allow Coordinator Pees to also use more four-man fronts against the run.

Michael Campanaro’s return was expected since he finished the game against Cleveland. Wednesday is fast becoming a normal rest day for the oft-injured return specialist. Rookie cornerback Jaylen Hill’s hamstring has now caused him to miss several weeks of practice time, he is destined to be a weekly inactive in London.

Maxx Williams and Terrance West’s lower body injuries could stress an already thin tight end and running back corps. Production from Ben Watson, Nick Boyle and Alex Collins will be important if they cannot go in Week 3. Of the two, Maxx’s injury seems more serious.

So far this season, Baltimore’s next men up have stepped up. The Ravens will be hoping to continue this trend against the Jaguars.