McPhee Only Raven Ruled Out
Despite coming off the bye, the Ravens are still banged up – particularly along their defensive line.
Starting defensive end Pernell McPhee (thigh) has been ruled out and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shoulder) didn't practice Thursday or Friday and is questionable.
That means Baltimore could have more trouble stopping Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson.
McPhee expressed frustration with the way he’s played so far this year, crediting injuries for lost explosion. He had an offseason knee procedure.
The Ravens gave McPhee even more time after the bye to try to heal. He didn't practice all week.
On Friday, Harbaugh talked about McPhee's struggles with injuries and diminished play. McPhee had a breakout rookie season with six sacks, but has just one half sack this year.
"One thing about Pernell, he has a lot of pride," Harbaugh said. "He has a very high standard for himself. It means a lot to him, so when he says that, he means it. He's been battling with a lot of nagging injuries that he's working through right now."
Defensive end Art Jones is expected to start in McPhee's place.
Ngata Questionable After Bye
Ngata is still nursing some lingering injuries, despite extra rest during the bye.
The three-time Pro Bowler's ailments stem from the Week 6 game against Dallas. Ngata hasn't missed any games, but played just 48 of the 80 snaps in Houston.
The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson is reporting that sources say Ngata is expected to play but it's "unlikely to be a full workload."
Ngata did not speak with Baltimore reporters this week. He had a conference call with Cleveland media, but was not asked about his injury.
"We'll see. We'll see," Harbaugh said when asked about Ngata's status. "He's working on it."
Ngata leads the Ravens with three sacks and has 32 tackles. He made just two stops against the Texans.
Kemoeatu Probable After Missing Game Action
While the Ravens will be without McPhee, they should get back starting nose tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu.
Kemoeatu missed the Texans game before the bye with a knee injury, but practiced fully throughout the week. He's listed as probable to play.
Without Kemoeatu, Terrence Cody took the majority of the snaps in Houston. Kemoeatu has 11 tackles this season while Cody has 12.
"Yeah, I'll be ready," Kemoeatu told reporters.
16 Ravens Listed As Probable
There aren't any “hangnails” on the Ravens injury report, but they do have a long list of 16 players who are probable to play.
Here's the full list:
Kemoeatu, cornerback Jimmy Smith (abs), wide receiver/return specialist Jacoby Jones (foot), cornerback Chykie Brown (ankle), tight end Ed Dickson (hand), linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (hand), safety James Ihedigbo (hand), tackle Bryant McKinnie (thigh), tackle Michael Oher (ankle), guard/tackle Kelechi Osemele (ankle), safety Bernard Pollard (chest), safety Ed Reed (shoulder/chest), outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (ankle), defensive tackle DeAngelo Tyson (foot) and guard/tackle Marshal Yanda (shoulder).
Wide receiver LaQuan Williams (ankle) was added to the injury report on Friday and is listed as questionable. Wide receiver Tandon Doss (illness) and Tyson were also Friday additions.
NT Taylor Back For Browns
The Browns will have some additional help in the trenches.
Nose tackle Phil Taylor (pectoral) has been activated from the physically unable to perform list and will play his first game of the season Sunday, according to Head Coach Pat Shurmur. The starter had been sidelined by a pectoral injury.
The former first-round pick should boost Cleveland's run defense, which currently ranks 26th overall in the NFL and 24th against the run (131.6 yards per game).
Cleveland may still be without starting defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin (calf), who is listed as doubtful after not practicing all week. The Browns have ruled out defensive back Dimitri Patterson (ankle) and defensive lineman Brian Sanford (knee).
Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (foot/toe) is questionable after being limited all week, as is wide receiver Josh Cooper (thigh). The Browns listed 15 players as probable.
Overall, the Browns had 20 players on their final injury report – one more than the Ravens' bulked-up list.
