The Ravens defensive line will have a new look for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.
Defensive tackle Michael Pierce (ankle) is inactive and will miss his first game of the season after sitting out practice all week. Pierce leads all Ravens linemen in tackles (21) and his presence is a key to Baltimore's run defense. The Texans enter the game averaging the fourth-most rushing yards per game in the NFL (142.8).
With Pierce out, two veteran defensive tackles – Domata Peko and Justin Ellis – will make their Ravens debut. Both are active after being signed during the week to bolster Baltimore's defense. Williams played a season-high 57 snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10 after Pierce left the game in the first quarter. The additions of Peko and Ellis will decrease Williams' workload, keeping him fresher throughout the game.
Rookie wide receiver Marquise Brown (ankle) is active after being listed as questionable. Brown is Baltimore's top deep threat and a key to their offense. He practiced on a limited basis Friday but has shown the ability to be effective during games, even when missing time during the week. Brown leads all NFL rookie receivers in yards per catch (16.2) and has 28 receptions for 454 yards and four touchdowns.
Joining Pierce as inactive for Baltimore are quarterback Trace McSorley, wide receivers Jaleel Scott and Chris Moore, offensive lineman Ben Powers, defensive tackle Zach Sieler and rookie cornerback Iman Marshall. Marshall was activated this week from the injured list, but he must wait to make his Ravens debut.
WR Fuller Inactive For Texans, Tunsil and Gipson Both Active
The Texans will be without wide receiver Will Fuller V (hamstring), who is inactive for the third straight game. Houston began the week hoping Fuller might play, but it was announced Saturday that he would not be able to go. Fuller is second for the Texans in receptions (34) and receiving yards (450 yards).
Houston is coming off a bye week and will have two key players returning to the starting lineup: left tackle Laremy Tunsil and safety Tashaun Gipson. Tunsil is one of the NFL's best left tackles and missed Houston's previous game.
Joining Fuller as inactive for Houston are starting cornerback Bradley Roby (hamstring), wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr., newly-acquired cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, inside linebacker Tyrell Adams, offensive tackle Chris Clark and defensive end Joel Heath.
