Left Side Of Ravens Offensive Line Is A Question Mark
The left side of the Ravens offensive line is a question mark heading into their Week 4 game against the Oakland Raiders.
Rookie left tackle and No. 6 overall pick Ronnie Stanley did not practice at all this week and is listed as doubtful to play, and rookie left guard Alex Lewis (concussion) is questionable.
Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked if Stanley has a significant injury.
"I don't see it that way from what I've been told," Harbaugh said Friday. "I still think he has a chance for Sunday."
Stanley never missed a game in college and has talked about the pride he takes in suiting up for his team, even when it means playing through pain. Stanley also missed one day of practice last week due to a foot injury, but still suited up in Jacksonville.
If Stanley can't play, the Ravens would turn to backup James Hurst, who has started 15 games, including the playoffs, during his three-year career.
Hurst has been practicing with the first-team offense throughout the week. He also started last year's Week 2 game in Oakland, a game in which the Ravens allowed zero sacks and scored 33 points.
Whether Stanley or Hurst plays, they'll have to deal with Raiders talented pass rusher Khalil Mack, who has yet to post a sack this season but notched 15 last year.
"Being the backup, you've got to be ready to go anywhere," Hurst said. "Obviously, they play the guys that are in, but also just getting into the game plan and being involved and everything like that, I'm excited about it. I'm going to go out there and I'm preparing like I'm the starter."
Lewis missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices. He returned on a limited basis Friday, which meant he must have been cleared by doctors to practice. Whether that means he's ready to play in a game is undetermined, but Lewis is listed as questionable.
If Lewis doesn't suit up, Baltimore would turn to John Urschel or Ryan Jensen. Jensen came in for Lewis in the fourth quarter in Jacksonville, but Urschel was inactive then.
"It's a concussion, so there's really no physical issue with Alex," Harbaugh said.
Kenneth Dixon Is Doubtful
Rookie running back Kenneth Dixon could give the Ravens' rushing attack a boost, but he may not be ready quite yet.
Dixon was a limited practice participant through much of the week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. His first full practice was Friday, but that's a walk-through session.
Dixon led the Ravens in rushing in the preseason (22 carries for 107 yards) with 4.9 yards per carry. He showed power running between the tackles and an ability to make defenders miss.
Elvis Dumervil Isn't On A Specific Snap Count
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs let the cat out of the bag and Elvis Dumervil confirmed that he will be making his 2016 debut this Sunday.
After working through a setback following his foot-area procedure, Dumervil should bring some fire to the Ravens' outside pass rush, but could be eased back into action.
On Friday, Harbaugh was asked if the Ravens will be cautious with Dumervil's workload.
"I think you just go out there and play the guys in whatever way you need to try to win the game and see what happens," Harbaugh said.
"He hasn't played in a long time – no preseason. Who knows, maybe he'll come out there like gangbusters, or maybe he'll have to knock some rust off. We're just going to have to find out."
Devin Hester, Others Also Questionable
The Ravens could be in a bind when it comes to returner as Devin Hester is listed as questionable because of a thigh injury. He was a limited practice participant all week.
Baltimore could use Lardarius Webb or Steve Smith Sr. as a punt returner in a pinch, but would rather not have to. The Ravens have more options at kick returner with rookie receiver Chris Moore and others.
Hester muffed a critical punt last week in Jacksonville, but didn't seem to suffer any major injury. The week before, he looked ready to break out following two long returns.
Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (knee), wide receiver Kamar Aiken (thigh) and Urschel (shoulder) are also listed as questionable, though it doesn't appear that their injuries will affect their game status. Jernigan and Aiken were both full practice participants Thursday and Friday after getting a day off Wednesday.
Raiders' Starting And Backup Right Tackles Are Out
The Raiders have quite the conundrum at right tackle.
Starting right tackle Manelik Watson (calf) and his backup, Austin Howard (ankle), have both been ruled out for Sunday's game.
That could cause a bit of a shake-up on an offensive line that has allowed just two sacks so far this season. It also might give Dumervil more of a chance to make an impact since he usually lines up over the right tackle.
Oakland's starting center, Rodney Hudson, is questionable due to a knee injury that kept him out of practice Wednesday. He was limited Thursday and a full participant Friday, so it seems he improved throughout the week.
