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Three Ravens who could take on bigger roles against the Browns
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- Three Ravens who could take on bigger roles against the Browns
Every NFL team deals with injuries as the regular season progresses, but the Baltimore Ravens face something beyond the usual wear and tear. Twenty-one players appeared on Thursday's Week 6 injury report , a staggering number that approaches half the active roster.
With kickoff against the Cleveland Browns approaching , Baltimore must prepare for a divisional matchup without knowing exactly which contributors will be available or how healthy they will be. That uncertainty puts added pressure on the players ready to take the field, especially those still trying to establish themselves as reliable contributors. Could this be the week the Ravens ' third-stringers turn opportunity into a breakout performance?
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Zion Young, EDGE
Baltimore's pass rush could use another contributor as the defense prepares for Cleveland, particularly with Trey Hendrickson working his way back toward a potential return . Mike Green delivered on his Week 4 promise by recording his second sack of the season on Sunday night, giving the Ravens another encouraging development along the edge. Young has not yet produced a sack, but his opportunity to make an impact could grow as Baltimore sorts through its defensive personnel.
The rookie has recorded ten tackles this season, and his next step is turning that activity into more disruptive plays. If Young can win his matchups and generate pressure, he would give the Ravens another option to complement Hendrickson and the interior rush. That depth could prove valuable against a Browns offense Baltimore needs to keep off the field.
Mark Andrews, tight end
Mark Andrews remains an important part of Baltimore's passing attack, but his recent production has been limited. After 49 receiving yards in each of the first two weeks, he hasn't topped 28 yards in a game since. The Ravens need more consistent contributions from their tight end, especially with injuries creating uncertainty about which receivers will be available.
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A balanced offensive approach could help Andrews find more room to operate. If Baltimore establishes the run and forces Cleveland to account for Derrick Henry, play-action opportunities and space over the middle could become more available. Andrews doesn't need a massive statistical performance, but a timely third-down conversion or a few big gains could sustain drives and ease pressure on the rest of the offense.
Devontez Walker, wide receiver
Rashod Bateman's uncertain status puts additional attention on Baltimore's receiving depth. After being limited in Wednesday's practice and missing Thursday's session, his availability and effectiveness against Cleveland remain important questions. If Bateman cannot contribute normally, the Ravens will need other receivers to help Zay Flowers, who's also on the injury report, carry the passing game.
Walker offers an intriguing option after scoring his first touchdown of the season in Week 5, his fifth career touchdown. Known as "Touchdown Tez," he has shown he can make his opportunities count, and Baltimore could benefit from giving him more chances to build on that momentum. His challenge will be contributing consistently enough to prevent Cleveland from concentrating its coverage on Flowers and the Ravens' other primary targets.
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Worth watching: Emery Jones, guard.
John Simpson is dealing with a groin injury. After being limited Wednesday, he missed Thursday's practice, while Andrew Vorhees has been limited with a foot injury. If Simpson cannot play and Voorhees is not ready for a full workload, Emery Jones could be called upon to help stabilize the offensive line. With so many players managing injuries, his readiness could matter as much as any skill-position contribution.
Baltimore's injury situation makes this matchup about more than its established stars. Young, Andrews, and Walker each have a chance to provide what the Ravens need, whether it is pressure off the edge, dependable production over the middle, or another scoring threat on the perimeter. If those contributions arrive, Baltimore will have a better chance of overcoming its personnel uncertainty and earning a divisional win.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Three Ravens who could take on bigger roles against the Browns
