Ravens vs. Bengals: Key Injuries to Watch
The AFC North rivalry is heating up, and the Ravens and Bengals are ready to clash once again. But this time, injuries are casting a shadow over the game, potentially impacting the outcome. Let's dive into the key injuries to watch for both teams:
Ravens:
Lamar Jackson's Health:
The biggest question mark for Baltimore is the status of their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. He's been dealing with a knee injury that forced him out of the Week 13 game against the Broncos. His mobility is crucial to the Ravens' offense, and if he's limited or can't play, it'll be a huge blow. We'll be glued to the injury report all week long for updates on Jackson's status.
Wide Receiver Depth:
The Ravens are already thin at wide receiver, and the injury to Rashod Bateman only adds to their woes. He's on injured reserve and will be out for a while. With Bateman sidelined, the Ravens will need strong performances from the likes of Devin Duvernay and Demarcus Robinson. Let's hope they can step up!
Bengals:
Offensive Line Woes:
The Bengals have been battling offensive line issues all season, and it's only gotten worse lately. They lost starting right tackle La'el Collins for the season, and now starting center Trey Hopkins is dealing with a knee injury. This creates a major challenge for protecting Joe Burrow, who is already a bit of a target for opposing defenses.
Defensive Depth:
The Bengals are also dealing with injuries on defense. Defensive tackle Josh Tupou, who was a key cog in their run-stopping efforts, is out for the season. They'll need depth players to step up and fill the void.
What to Watch For
This game could come down to who can overcome their injuries best. If Jackson is healthy, the Ravens will be a tough matchup for Cincinnati. But if he's limited or out, the Bengals might have a slight advantage. We'll also be watching closely how the Bengals' offensive line holds up against a fierce Ravens defense.
It's a huge game for both teams with playoff implications on the line. Let's hope for a healthy and exciting game!