There's good reason why the Ravens didn't practice during the bye week. Rest is most important for this team right now.
Head Coach John Harbaugh admitted that his team has been a step behind in recent games, perhaps because of the long training camp and preseason.
And there's no denying that recent injuries that have sidelined offensive tackles Ronnie Stanley and James Hurst, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and others has hampered Baltimore's capability.
The bye is just a week off, but Harbaugh said he anticipated that it would be enough time for the team's injured players to return in time to face the Bengals on Nov. 18.
Here's a look at the Ravens' injury situation:
LT Ronnie Stanley
Injury: Ankle
Date of injury: Oct. 28
Games missed: 1
Estimated return: After bye
Quote: "I think it's huge to be able to get this time and really get all the treatment that I need. I think that's going to be really big. … We'll see [about the Bengals]. I'm going to do everything I can to be ready for that game. That's going to be up to Coach."
G/T James Hurst
Injury: Back
Date of injury: Oct. 27
Games missed: 2
Estimated return: After bye
CB Tavon Young
Injury: Ankle
Date of injury: Nov. 4
Games missed: 0
Estimated return: After bye
Quote: "Somebody stepped on it. It was a bruise. If we went into overtime, I was going to come back in the [Steelers] game. Yeah, for sure, 100 percent [I'll be back]."
LB C.J. Mosley
Injury: Thigh
Date of injury: Unknown
Games missed: 0
Estimated return: After bye
Quote: "During the season, you're never 100 percent, but going into the bye, I feel like as far as body-wise, I feel pretty good. I haven't had any shoulder issues. A few lower-body things, but nothing that a little maintenance won't help, and, definitely, this off-time, this bye week, came at a great time."
OLB Tim Williams
Injury: Ankle
Date of injury: Oct. 28
Games missed: 1
Estimated return: After bye
Quote: "I was just following whatever the protocol the trainers go by. I'm good though. Everybody would love to be out there, but you have to know your body and take care of your body."
CB Maurice Canady
Injury: Thigh
Date of injury: Sept. 9
Games missed: 8 (injured reserve)
Estimated return: After bye
Quote: "That's my expectation [is to come back after the bye]. I've been working hard these weeks that I've been off. I've been getting ready to get back in the swing of things. I'm looking forward to it."
