Ravens Injury Report And Fantasy Football Implications
By Kevin Ross II
The 2014 season for the Baltimore Ravens will begin at M&T Bank stadium against the CIncinnati Bengals. For the Ravens, things are looking pretty good as the team released its official injury report on Friday. All evidence points toward Baltimore being at full strength come opening kickoff. Although there is one player listed on the injury report that could have huge fantasy football implications. We'll break down this and more as we take a look both team's injury report.
Baltimore Ravens Injury Report
Status Questionable: cornerback Lardarius Webb and running Bernard Pierce
Lardarius Webb, Baltimore's top cornerback, was listed as questionable for Week 1. Webb was able to practice all week, but his nagging back injury is concern enough for the Ravens to add him to the injury report. You can expect for Webb to be in the starting line-up for Baltimore, but history tells us that back injuries are very unpredictable. Baltimore is hopeful that Webb will not re-aggravate the injury prior to kickoff. This is something to closely watch if you're a fantasy football owner who plans on starting the Ravens defense this week. Last season, AJ Green was ranked fifth in the NFL in receiving yards, and fifth among wide receivers in touchdowns. Against the Ravens last season, Green averaged about 18-yards per catch, and you can expect Green to be a wild man if Webb is not there to challenge him.
The only other player listed on Baltimore's injury report was Bernard Pierce, who suffered a concussion during week three of the preseason. Pierce participated fully in practice this week, and took a few seconds to comment about his injury: "I'm good, I would say the concussion last week was minor. I started practicing the week after and am full throttle now."
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report
For the Cincinnati Bengals, the injury is not so favorable, as the team released a lengthy report. Although the Bengals are expecting the majority of the players listed on the report to play at Baltimore.
Status Probable: linebacker Vontaze Burfict (hamstring), tight end Tyler Eifert (shoulder), running back Cedric Peerman (hip), offensive tackle Andre Smith (concussion) and offensive guard Mike Pollak (knee).
Status Questionable: cornerback Darqueze Dennard (hip)
Status Doubtful: linebacker Sean Porter (hamstring), and wide receiver James Wright (concussion)
Status Out: running back Rex Burkhead (knee) and wide receiver Marvin Jones (foot)
Without starting receiver Marvin Jones not in the line-up, Fantasy Football players should take a long look at second-year receiver Mohamed Sanu. Sanu will start in place of Jones, and the Bengals are confident that their offense will not suffer. WIth the Ravens likely focusing the majority of their attention on shutting down AJ Green, Sanu could have a huge day and should be targeted often.
For more Ravens news and updates, visit Ravens Central.
Kevin Ross is a freelance writer covering all things Washington Redskins. His work can be found on Examiner.com.