Ravens Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Home Opener vs. Saints
Baltimore enters Sunday’s home game with key players doubtful, but hopes strong performances from Roquan Smith, Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson can offset the setbacks.
The Baltimore Ravens will open their home schedule on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints despite several players listed as doubtful or questionable, including wide receiver Zay Flowers and defensive linemen Trey Hendrickson, Ronnie Stanley and John Simpson. Coach Jesse Minter said the team’s resilience will be tested, and a win while shorthanded could boost confidence among younger players.
Inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who joined the Ravens in 2022, is expected to anchor the defense. Smith, described as an elite linebacker and team leader, appears ready for the matchup.
If Flowers is unavailable, the Ravens will rely on quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is 25-3 against NFC opponents, and running back Derrick Henry, who leads the league in carries with 632. In a previous playoff win without Flowers, Jackson threw two touchdowns and Henry rushed for 186 yards.
Should Stanley be unable to play, rookie left tackle Carson Vinson is slated to start. Minter praised Vinson’s offseason work, noting he has become one of the team’s most improved players.
The Saints will test Baltimore’s secondary with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. Defensive end Hendrickson, who previously played for New Orleans, looks to record his first sack for the Ravens in front of the home crowd.
Defensive back Marlon Humphrey, who forced a fumble and recorded four tackles in the season opener, is expected to continue his resurgence. The return of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is projected for the following week, which could further strengthen the defensive line.