As expected, Ravens Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosley is active for Sunday night's game in Pittsburgh, returning after missing Week 3 with a knee bone bruise.
Mosley suffered his injury Week 2 in Cincinnati, missing all but one series of that game, and sat out the entire Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos. Mosley's return for the Ravens is timely against one of the NFL's most potent offenses. The Steelers entered Week 4 ranked second in the league in offense, averaging 453.3 yards. Mosley has made the Pro Bowl in three of his first four NFL seasons, a three-down defensive leader for the Ravens who relays their defensive signals.
Hurst, a first-round draft pick, is not active despite returning to practice this week. Hurst has not played since suffering a foot stress fracture in August that required surgery. It was thought Hurst might make his regular season debut, because he was the Ravens' best receiving tight end in training camp prior to his injury. However, the Ravens have three healthy tight ends active – Mark Andrews, Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle. All three tight ends have played well and keeping Hurst inactive made it easier for the Ravens to dress three running backs – Alex Collins, Javorius Allen, and De'Lance Turner. Dressing just two running backs would have left the Ravens vulnerable if Collins or Allen suffered an injury, and Hurst also does not have experience playing special teams. It gives the rookie one more week to round into top form.
Pierce is back in the lineup after missing Week 3 with a foot injury. Mosley and Pierce both practiced in the week leading up to the game, and Pierce's run-stopping presence will be a boost to the defense, especially with defensive tackle Willie Henry (abdomen) still inactive.
In addition to Mosley and Pierce, four other Ravens listed as questionable on Friday's injury report were all active – linebacker Terrell Suggs, cornerback Brandon Carr, linebacker/cornerback Anthony Levine and left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Suggs was bothered by a sore knee during the week, but he returned to practice Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday.
In addition to Hurst and Henry, inactive for the Ravens were cornerback Anthony Averett, quarterback Robert Griffin III, wide receiver Jordan Lasley, center Hroniss Grasu and defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
