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The Ravens’ bye-week couldn't have come at a better time as many key players will be returning to the field for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Patriots. Despite a number of players being listed as questionable, Coach Harbaugh expects most of them to play. Here is the Ravens injury report:
Marquise Brown, Earl Thomas, Jimmy Smith, Patrick Mekari, Patrick Onwuasor, Bennett Jackson and Maurice Canady all listed as questionable.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 1, 2019
The return of Marquise Brown and Patrick Onwuasor will be essential for the Ravens’ chances at victory Sunday. Brown is expected to play after a two game absence because of an ankle sprain. In the previous two games without Brown, the Ravens offense became greatly hindered in their ability to stretch the field with the deep ball. Their offensive game plan for the past two games was very reminiscent to that of last season’s when Lamar Jackson became the starter. With Brown returning, the Patriots top-ranked defense will be forced to account for Brown’s playmaking abilities. Brown’s presence on the field will allow for greater flexibility in Greg Roman’s play-calling.
Onwuasor’s return will allow for greater linebacker depth as well as support in the weak-side spot where he and L.J. Fort will most likely share snaps.
Additionally, we will finally see the return of Jimmy Smith! After sustaining an MCL sprain Week 1 against the Dolphins, Smith will see a fair share of snaps Sunday. Smith’s return allows for the increase in cornerback depth, which has been hampered with injuries this season.
The Patriots also have their fair share of injuries. Many of the injured players are listed as questionable, but many of them should play given the stakes of Sunday’s matchup. Here is the Patriots’ injury report:
QUESTIONABLE RB Rex Burkhead, Foot (LP), S Patrick Chung, Heel/Chest (LP), WR Julian Edelman, Chest/Shoulder (LP), TE Ryan Izzo, Concussion (LP), TE Matt LaCosse, Knee (LP), G Shaq Mason, Ankle (LP), WR Gunner Olszewski, Ankle/Hamstring (LP), RB James White, Toe (LP)
With notable players such as Patrick Chung, Julian Edelman, Shaq Mason, and James White all being limited participants in Friday’s practice, still expect them to suit up Sunday night.
The Ravens will host the Patriots on primetime Sunday Night Football at 8:20 pm.