BALTIMORE —
Injuries and failing to execute doomed the Ravens in Week 4 and are creating even more issues ahead of a home date with the Houston Texans on Sunday.
It’s bad enough that key defensive players are still dropping like flies, with Baltimore (1-3) officially ruling out multiple corners and a linebacker this week, but quarterback Lamar Jackson left the Week 4 loss and will miss at least Week 5, with hints at a longer stint on the sidelines.
While the defense should have Kyle Van Noy back, rookies and those with less experience could be asked to step up in big ways. Fans should expect players such as corner T.J. Tampa, linebacker Jake Hummel and possibly veteran corner Jaire Alexander to log more snaps.
The good news? Corner Nate Wiggins, edge rusher Brent Urban and defensive tackle Travis Jones will all enter Sunday without an injury designation.
“I think that’s the really good thing about being on this defense. You’re playing with a group of guys who can do their job at any given point,” rookie safety Malaki Starks said. “I’m not really leading by myself. We have a bunch of guys who’ve been doing it for a long time and who know how it’s supposed to look, so I’m leaning on those guys and leading in my own role.”