The good news for the Ravens defense is that outside linebacker Terrell Suggs is going to play against the Denver Broncos.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is active and expected to start after being listed as questionable because of a biceps injury.
But while Suggs is active, the defense will be without some other critical pieces.
Starting safety Bernard Pollard is not active because of a chest injury that held him out of practice all week. This is the first game that Pollard has missed all year, and James Ihedigbo is expected to play in his place.
Starting inside linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Jameel McClain are also inactive, meaning that Brendon Ayanbadejo and Josh Bynes will get the start in the middle of the Ravens defense.
Ellerbe, who will miss his third straight game, tried to get warmed up out on the field during pregame, but he had a noticeable limp as he went through a series of running drills. McClain suffered a neck/back injury last week against the Redskins and he is going to see a specialist about the injury.
Linebacker Ray Lewis also isn't going to play because the Ravens did not move him to the active roster from the injured reserve-designated to return list. He is still working his way back from a torn triceps that he suffered in Week 6.
Offensively, the Ravens will be without Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda who suffered an ankle injury in last week's game against the Redskins. With Yanda out, the Ravens will likely turn to veteran guard Bobbie Williams at right guard.
Starting tight end Ed Dickson is also inactive for his third straight game. Veteran Billy Bajema will play in his place.
The healthy scratches for the Ravens are wide receiver Deonte Thompson and offensive lineman Ramon Harewood.
The other notable injury news is that cornerback Jimmy Smith will be back in the lineup Sunday after missing five straight games because of a sports hernia. He could potentially be moved back into the starting lineup, or the Ravens could use him as a No. 3 cornerback behind Cary Williams and Corey Graham.
The Broncos inactives are quarterback Caleb Hanie, wide receiver Andre Caldwell, cornerback Tracy Porter, running back Lance Ball, guard Chris Kuper, tight end Julius Thomas and nose tackle Sealver Siliga.
Kuper is the most notable inactive for the Broncos, as he is the starting right guard. Manny Ramirez will start in place of Kuper, who has an ankle injury.
