The Ravens have placed nose tackle Michael Pierce on injured reserve, sidelining the veteran run stopper for at least the next four games. Head Coach John Harbaugh said it's not a season-ending injury.
Pierce suffered a calf injury in Sunday's loss in Cleveland, which left Baltimore's defensive line even more shorthanded. Defensive end Brent Urban also suffered a concussion and defensive tackle Travis Jones is dealing with an ankle injury.
Pierce had 15 tackles and one sack through seven games (he missed the Week 4 game against the Bills due to a shoulder injury). He's been playing primarily behind Jones in the Ravens' defensive line rotation.
Without Pierce, the Ravens will hope that Jones and Urban are healthy enough to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore had to lean more on Nnamdi Madubuike and Broderick Washington against the Browns.
The Ravens re-signed veteran nose tackle Josh Tupou, who spent much of the summer in Baltimore, back to the practice squad on Monday and he could be elevated to the gameday roster to face the Broncos if needed.
Baltimore used Pierce's 53-man roster spot to add wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who they agreed to a trade for on Tuesday.
