Baltimore's starting offensive line will remain intact Sunday with Matt Skura (knee) active for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Skura was questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday, but Head Coach John Harbaugh said he was optimistic Skura would play. Skura has started 20 straight regular-season games at center dating back to last season.
Linebackers Josh Bynes and L.J. Fort are both active after being signed during the week. Meanwhile, inside linebacker Kenny Young is inactive for the first time this season after starting three of the first four regular season games. Cornerback Anthony Averett is also inactive, after playing the first four games including 16 snaps against the Cleveland Browns last week.
Baltimore's defense has surrendered more than 500 yards in back-to-back games, and the linebacking corps has been shuffled. Outside linebacker Tim Williams was waived Tuesday, Young is inactive, and Bynes and Fort will dress against the Steelers after three days of practice.
Bynes spent his first three NFL seasons (2011-13) with Baltimore and was signed to provide experienced depth to the inside linebacking corps. Patrick Onwuasor is playing his first season at middle linebacker, moving into the spot once occupied by former Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley. Chris Board and Young are both in their second season. Bynes has not played in an NFL game since November of last season with the Arizona Cardinals, but felt he would be ready to play after three practices this week, and Harbaugh concurred.
"(Bynes) gives us an inside backer that knows how to fit schemes," Harbaugh said. "Very physical player, tackle-to-tackle player. [He] also will help us on special teams. He's a leader."
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Brandon Williams (knee) is active after not playing Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Williams returned to practice Thursday and was expected to play after being listed as questionable. His presence will be a boost for Baltimore's run defense, which gave up 193 yards rushing against Cleveland.
Fort spent four seasons with the Steelers (2015-18) which could give him some helpful insight into Pittsburgh's offense should he see action. He is also a reliable special teams player who will likely be used in that role with the Ravens.
Defensive tackle Zach Sieler is active after being promoted Saturday from the practice squad. Sieler provides defensive line depth behind Williams, Michael Pierce and Chris Wormley. Punt returner/cornerback Cyrus Jones (foot) is also active after being added to Friday's injury report.
With Sieler active, rookie defensive tackle Daylon Mack is inactive after playing nine snaps in his NFL debut last week. Other Ravens inactives are cornerback Jimmy Smith (knee) missing his fourth straight game; quarterback Trace McSorley; wide receiver Jaleel Scott and guard Ben Powers.
For the Steelers, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, tight end Vance McDonald, and linebacker Vince Williams are all active after being listed as questionable. Pittsburgh's inactives are wide receiver Donte Moncrief, fullback Roosevelt Nix, linebacker Anthony Chickillo, offensive linemen Fred Johnson and Chukwuma Okorafor, tight end Zach Gentry and defensive end Isaiah Buggs.
