Injury Report

[Ravnet]

[quote]The Ravens have a long list, but everyone should play except linebacker Antwan Barnes, who missed Saturday's victory over the Titans with a chest injury. The biggest question mark is linebacker Terrell Suggs, who injured his shoulder Saturday and didn't finish the Titans game. Suggs said after the game that he would play next week regardless of the extent of the injury, so don't count him out. The likely scenario is Suggs will dress and at least play on passing downs. The Ravens will have around 10 players on their injury report this week. Cornerback Samari Rolle suffered a minor groin injury Saturday, but he expects to play in Pittsburgh. He was questionable all last week because of a thigh injury. Safety Jim Leonhard suffered a minor concussion, but the team doesn't think he will miss much practice this week. Tight end Todd Heap took a hit to the ribs and was already playing with a sore back. Running back Le'Ron McClain tweaked an ankle. Among the other Ravens who will be listed on the injury report are safety Ed Reed (knee), defensive tackle Justin Bannan (foot), linebacker Jarret Johnson (calf), kicker Matt Stover (ankle) and cornerback Fabian Washington (neck).

The Steelers couldn't be healthier. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger showed no ill effects from the concussion he suffered in Week 17. As he does in normal weeks, wide receiver Hines Ward will probably miss Wednesday's practice to rest. Pittsburgh has no other injury issues. The Steelers are as healthy as they've been all season.[/quote]

Clayton expects everyone to play sans Barnes, which leads me to wonder why he is still on the active roster when we could free up an additional spot...

I'm encouraged by the fact that Leonhard, McClain, and Rolle seem to be just fine, but it's somewhat discouraging to hear that Suggs may only be in on passing downs, if at all. Although our overall pressure has been pretty good this year, Suggs has been the only one who has really finished things off and brought down the quarterback. With the Steelers offensive line starting to click at the right time, we really will need someone else to provide the outside pressure and make up for Sizzle's absence.

Ultimately, this is a pretty reassuring piece as things looked pretty bad after the Tennessee game on Saturday. Even though we were expecting the worst, Suggs will apparently be the only one to lose major playing time. That being said, no Gregg/Suggs on the defensive line is a huge blow, and we'll need someone like Johnson, Bart, or Jameel to step up and start knocking down the quarterback. Pittsburgh's line still isn't that good, and the idea of a backup stepping in isn't completely ludicrous.

[bossman419]

Sizzle's injury is worrying me, but I'm mostly concerned with the overall health of the team. They looked really sluggish last week, hopefully these extra couple days help out.

It was kinda funny to see EJ out there rushing the passer wearing #84.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='bossman419' post='128186' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:32 PM']Sizzle's injury is worrying me, but I'm mostly concerned with the overall health of the team. They looked really sluggish last week, hopefully these extra couple days help out.

It was kinda funny to see EJ out there rushing the passer wearing #84.[/quote]

That's basically what I'm saying. Although Suggs being hurt is a downer, the rest of the team is healthy enough to be practicing, which is a good sign.

[K-Dog]

can we put people on IR and sign other players?

[joerevs300]

I know that Todd Heap and Ed Reed were held out of a couple practices leading up to the Tennessee game, and I think John Harbaugh would be smart to do the same with some of the other injured Ravens (Suggs, Rolle, McClain, W.Anderson).

It's not like the Ravens don't know how to play the Steelers offensively or defensively.

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='bossman419' post='128186' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:32 PM']Sizzle's injury is worrying me, but I'm mostly concerned with the overall health of the team. They looked really sluggish last week, [b]hopefully these extra couple days help out.[/b]

It was kinda funny to see EJ out there rushing the passer wearing #84.[/quote]

I think they will. We dont need to prepare as much as far as game film etc goes, we already know this team well. Like harbs said.. you'll see a few different wrinkles maybe but nothing unexpected. Our boys did look sluggish last week, but lets not forget it was a SHORT week for them, this week they gained a day and got some extra time off to rest. As far as Suggs goes Im pretty confident that he'll play. Harbs wasent commenting on it too much and didnt seem that dissapointed when talking about it.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='joerevs300' post='128191' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:37 PM']I know that Todd Heap and Ed Reed were held out of a couple practices leading up to the Tennessee game, and I think John Harbaugh would be smart to do the same with some of the other injured Ravens (Suggs, Rolle, McClain, W.Anderson).

It's not like the Ravens don't know how to play the Steelers offensively or defensively. [/quote]

Practice really isn't all that important at this point in the season; veterans like Heap, Rolle, Mason, Stover, and Reed don't need reps, they need rest/film to prepare for a game.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

My main concern was Samari's groin injury. If that was anything more than minor, we'd be down to Walker/Ivy/Washington in the CB position, and that is pretty weak. Now that Samari is a go, we should be able to put adequate pressure on their WRs. Washington matches up nicely with Holmes (speed), and Samari is great for Ward (old veterans). Ward plays physically and guys like Walker and Ivy would just get pushed around by him. Samari is a seasoned veteran so he can handle the pressure.

Suggs will play, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see him starting like he normally does. With the way Mason played earlier in the season, I think Suggs will play until his shoulder falls off. This game is bigger than the Super Bowl we're trying to get to. The Cards and Eagles would be much easier opponents for us. So if Suggs goes all out here rendering himself unavailable for the Super Bowl, it'll be well worth it.

[ravens27]

[quote name='bossman419' post='128186' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:32 PM']Sizzle's injury is worrying me, but I'm mostly concerned with the overall health of the team. They looked really sluggish last week, hopefully these extra couple days help out.

It was kinda funny to see EJ out there rushing the passer wearing #84.[/quote]

EJ on the mic.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

[quote name='Ravnet' post='128195' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:40 PM']Practice really isn't all that important at this point in the season; veterans like Heap, Rolle, Mason, Stover, and Reed don't need reps, they need rest/film to prepare for a game.[/quote]


Good point, give these guys a weeks worth of hot tubs, cold tubs, stretching, and training staff attention, and I'm sure they'll be ready to play come game-day. Of course I've never sprained my shoulder before, but from those I've talked to, it limits your motion, but you can play through it easily, you just have to deal with the discomfort. I'd expect Suggs to still be around 80% for this game.

Who would replace Suggs in the line-up since Barnes is the listed back-up?

[joerevs300]

Let's not forget about Nate Washington when we are talking about the Steelers WR's. If Rolle somehow cannot play at 100% or is knocked out of the game, who is going to cover him 1 on 1?

And I don't think a "groin" injury, or any injury that deals with the ankle should be written off as "minor". All it takes is 1 hit or 1 twist in those areas and the guy's out again.

Here is the link to what John Harbaugh was saying re:Terrell Suggs' injury:

[url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-ravensnotes112,0,4172732.story?track=rss"]http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/footbal...story?track=rss[/url]

Either that's just some good "damage control" by Harbaugh, or Suggs' injury is worse than previously thought.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='SuggsNotDrugs' post='128203' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:44 PM']Good point, give these guys a weeks worth of hot tubs, cold tubs, stretching, and training staff attention, and I'm sure they'll be ready to play come game-day. Of course I've never sprained my shoulder before, but from those I've talked to, it limits your motion, but you can play through it easily, you just have to deal with the discomfort. I'd expect Suggs to still be around 80% for this game.

Who would replace Suggs in the line-up since Barnes is the listed back-up?[/quote]

McClain will probably get extensive reps if Suggs exacerbates his shoulder, but Bannan/Douglas are capable if Rex just wants to plug in another defensive lineman to stuff the run.

[Ravnet]

Double post.

[Ravnet]

By the way, times like these are why you invest in depth during the offseason. Not having backups like Sypniewski, Williams, and Barnes is killer right now, and the acquisitions of Neal, Leonhard, Washington, and Anderson were invaluable.

With guys like Gregg, CMac, Landry, and Yanda going down early, we'd be in a predicament if Ozzie, Kokinis and co. hadn't built up our team.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

I guess we have to just wait and see come game-day.

I was thinking that the great thing about a 3-4 defense, is that if one of your LBs goes down, move in an extra D-Lineman, but with our D-Line banged up as well, this certainly is a predicament.

I just wish it didn't have to be against the Steelers. With them it won't matter that we have a rookie QB (albeit a great one), or that we have the second most players in the league on IR. It won't matter that we never were supposed to be close to this game in the first place (many expected at most a .500 season).

Maybe I'm just dreading this more than others because I know several Steelers fans. They're loud, obnoxious, and disrespectful, and it just sucks to lose to them. This team has been amazing, and regardless of the outcome I'm proud of them, and looking forward to seasons to come, but I just HATE the Steelers!!!

If we had Landry, C.Mac, D.Williams, Barnes, and Gregg off IR we'd be fine, it just really sucks we've gotten this far, and we're this banged up. No one should have a week 2 bye!!

[ravens27]

[quote name='Ravnet' post='128222' date='Jan 12 2009, 10:59 PM']By the way, times like these are why you invest in depth during the offseason. Not having backups like Sypniewski, Williams, and Barnes is killer right now, and the acquisitions of Neal, Leonhard, Washington, and Anderson were invaluable.

With guys like Gregg, CMac, Landry, and Yanda going down early, we'd be in a predicament if Ozzie, Kokinis and co. hadn't built up our team.[/quote]

I agree.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='SuggsNotDrugs' post='128235' date='Jan 12 2009, 11:29 PM']I just wish it didn't have to be against the Steelers. With them it won't matter that we have a rookie QB (albeit a great one), or that we have the second most players in the league on IR. It won't matter that we never were supposed to be close to this game in the first place (many expected at most a .500 season).[/quote]

My sentiments exactly. I could take a loss in this game considering all the factors working against us, but I just dread the fact that it's the Steelers, in Pittsburgh...

[Iron_City92#]

[quote name='SuggsNotDrugs' date='Jan 13 2009, 12:29 AM' post='128235']
I just wish it didn't have to be against the Steelers. With them it won't matter that we have a rookie QB (albeit a great one), or that we have the second most players in the league on IR. It won't matter that we never were supposed to be close to this game in the first place (many expected at most a .500 season).


Already lining up those excuses lol

[codizzle]

[quote name='Iron_City92#' post='128386' date='Jan 13 2009, 10:02 AM']I just wish it didn't have to be against the Steelers. With them it won't matter that we have a rookie QB (albeit a great one), or that we have the second most players in the league on IR. It won't matter that we never were supposed to be close to this game in the first place (many expected at most a .500 season).


Already lining up those excuses lol[/quote]

having 19 guys on IR isnt really an excuse there sunshine

[Iron_City92#]

[quote name='codizzle' post='128390' date='Jan 13 2009, 12:10 PM']having 19 guys on IR isnt really an excuse there sunshine[/quote]

Exactly, what does it matter if you guys lose this game. We all know it will be because of injuries and not because you lost to the better team. I mean it's not as if the Steelers or any other team have had injuries either

[codizzle]

[quote name='Iron_City92#' post='128392' date='Jan 13 2009, 10:17 AM']Exactly, what does it matter if you guys lose this game. We all know it will be because of injuries and not because you lost to the better team. I mean it's not as if the Steelers or any other team have had injuries either [/quote]

lol dont bring that crap. u guys are completely healthy and u know it.. im not about to give excuses so dont worry. if we lose we lose. its all good. this season was more than i expected anyway already. we have already beat the #1 and #3 seed in the playoffs. not a bad season

[POE]

[quote name='Iron_City92#' post='128386' date='Jan 13 2009, 11:02 AM']I just wish it didn't have to be against the Steelers. With them it won't matter that we have a rookie QB (albeit a great one), or that we have the second most players in the league on IR. It won't matter that we never were supposed to be close to this game in the first place (many expected at most a .500 season).


Already lining up those excuses lol[/quote]

I wouldn't for a second consider what he said an excuse! It is just a simple fact that we were written off before the season started as a rebuilding team, and even when we started to show that we could contend with any team in the league we were still looked at as bottom teir talent. So a loss in the eyes of a Ravens fan, at this point, won't be all that painful with the exception that it would be to you bums! I am in no way, shape or form saying that we will lose because I truly believe that the Steelers can not beat us 3 times in one season, and for the record at the beginning of the playoffs I called the Ravens vs. Eagles Super Bowl, but if it does happen that we do get beat I will not take it as bad as I did the loss in 06' to the Colts.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='Iron_City92#' post='128392' date='Jan 13 2009, 11:17 AM']Exactly, what does it matter if you guys lose this game. We all know it will be because of injuries and not because you lost to the better team. I mean it's not as if the Steelers or any other team have had injuries either [/quote]

It's not really about that, though. We're beyond excuses at this point as the Ravens had by far the most players on IR going into the playoffs, and we've added even more injuries since. On the other hand, the Steelers seem to be getting healthier as time is progressing. I think the Rolle/Suggs/McClain injuries may be a bit overblown, but they're still issues nonetheless.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

Excuses huh?

What's an excuse about having 17 players on IR (7 starters or 2nd string)
10 players Questionable or OUT for this weekend (all starters or second string)

That's not an excuse, if anything it should play to the fact that the Ravens are deep.


The Steelers have 5 guys on IR, only one is 2nd string, the rest Special Teams, or third stringers
1 players is probable (Big Ben)

Those aren't excuses but facts.

Your totally healthy team at home will have trouble with our banged up second stringers and third stringers (and might even lose to them!). You're dead next season

[Marc2k6]

Man we are banged up!

[ravenwildman]

[b]I have to say I am less worried in the corners since Nakamura seems fast enough and adapts well for a rookie, (seems to be par for all ravens :-D), then I am about Suggs absence.

Pulling up linemen to fill the gap sounds like a patch waiting to be exploited by Pitts.

Unless McClain J. (:-D another rookie) can step up and rock the house.

Hey any thought on why Rice has been held back post season now that he is healthy?[/b]

[Ravnet]

[quote name='ravenwildman' post='128779' date='Jan 13 2009, 06:24 PM']Hey any thought on why Rice has been held back post season now that he is healthy?[/quote]

From everything I've heard, Rice is healthy right now, which only leads me to conclude that the Ravens are more comfortable giving the ball to guys who've been toting the rock for the entire season as opposed to a player who may be rusty.

Just a hunch, but I think we'll see some minutes from Ray this week, and he'll be utilized if, and when, our offense begins to stagnate. To our great frustration, I still doubt Cam will use him all that much, but at least it will be something.

Ray is a great change of pace guy, and his burst complements McGahee/McClain very well. Our tandem of running backs just weren't the same with Ray on the sidelines, as the three together mesh together really well. McGahee lets the play develop before he slashes, McClain consistently pounds the ball, and Rice brings a very nice change of pace as he can burst through a gap. The only knock on Rice is not his size, but the fact that he doesn't have any finishing speed. From what I've seen in Baltimore, and heard from New Jersey, Ray has a knack for initially getting to the second level, but he just cannot break away from his pursuers.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

I'm kind of curious to see what changes we bring out this weekend. We've been VERY conservative with our play-calling so far in the playoffs. It seems like we've been playing not to lose, as opposed to playing to win. I think with Pittsburgh it might be wise to pull out some stops. Bring back Troy Smith and actually let him throw on some plays instead of handing it off or running. With how frequently he hands it off/runs, combined with how conservative we've been lately, many might not be expecting him to go down field.

Also with Rice he might come in since he's very healthy now. He was healthy last week, but it limits the ability of Pitt to prepare for him. If they're watching the tapes from the playoffs (which I'm sure they are) it might be a good idea to try and add in some flair and spice to this match up, and show them a different offense than what they've come to expect.

I always feel we play them too mildly, too conservatively, too timidly. It's all or nothing at this point!