The biggest question for the Ravens going into Sunday's matchup with the Steelers actually has nothing to do with injuries.
The uncertainty for the Ravens is who they will start at quarterback, as Jimmy Clausen, Matt Schaub and Ryan Mallett are all potential options.
Ravens Getting Mallett Ready To Play
After starting Clausen the last two games, the Ravens could make another change on Sunday.
Baltimore signed Mallett last week, and the team has spent the last two weeks getting him up to speed. He could become the Ravens' fourth starting quarterback of the season if coaches give him the nod this week.
"He has had enough reps that if John [Harbaugh] decides to play him, and we decide to go that way, we feel he could manage the game," Offensive Coordinator Marc Trestman said.
Harbaugh hasn't tipped his hand about who he still start, and that's the same approach he took into last week's game with the Chiefs.
The benefit to starting Mallett is that it would give the Ravens a chance to see him in action before going into a critical offseason. The Ravens signed Mallett to a contract through next season so he could potentially be Joe Flacco's backup in 2016.
"Obviously, the clock is ticking," Harbaugh said on Monday. "If we want to see him this year, we're going to have to put him out pretty quick, but that's a matter of whether he's ready to play. We also want to do justice to our chances to win the game, too."
The Ravens will likely keep their starting quarterback a secret until they take the field Sunday afternoon.
J. Smith, Wagner Both Probable
The Ravens received good news this week in that cornerback Jimmy Smith's thigh injury doesn't appear serious. Smith left last week's game with the injury and didn't return, but he is officially listed as probable to play.
Smith returned to practice as a full participant Thursday after telling Harbaugh earlier in the week that he expected to play.
Starting right tackle Rick Wagner is also probable to play despite a knee injury. Wagner missed Wednesday's practice, but also returned as a full participant Thursday. Having him healthy is critical for an offensive line that has already lost a pair of starters for the season.
M. Brown Out Again, McClellan Questionable
Wide receiver Marlon Brown will miss his fifth straight game because of a back injury. He hasn't practiced in more than a month.
Linebacker Albert McClellan is also doubtful to play because of an ankle injury. The special teams ace missed last week's game and didn't practice all week.
Steelers Healthy
The Steelers don't have any significant injury questions going into the game. Safety Mike Mitchell (shoulder) and tight end Matt Spaeth (knee) were the only players to miss practice time because of an injury, and they are both probable to play.
