Ravens Are Close To Full Strength As They Get Set To Battle Colts
By Samuel Njoku
Injuries have plagued the Baltimore Ravens for the entire season. When news broke of Terrell Suggs tearing his Achilles tendon, no one knew it would be the start of a series of crippling injuries that nearly cost Baltimore dearly. But with their first playoff game approaching, the Ravens look to be at full strength for the first time all season.
Ray Lewis, LB, (triceps): Probable
Was their ever a question as to whether Ray Lewis would suit up for this game against Indianapolis? Perhaps doubt settle in several months ago when the injury left many wondering if he would ever play again. But the resilience of Ray Lewis has been clearly evident this season. The future hall of fame linebacker has fully practiced for weeks before being activated last week. And from what the Ravens head coach has told reporters, he looks primed to make an impact.
"He's ready to go," Harbaugh said. "He's going to play in this game. He should be full speed."
That's great news for the Baltimore Ravens and potentially bad news for the Indianapolis Colts.
Bernard Pollard, SS, (chest): Questionable
Along with Tandon Doss (ankle) and Jah Reid (toe), Bernard Pollard is listed as questionable for this game. Bernard Pollard has not played since re-aggravating a chest injury three weeks ago. James Ihedigbo has played well in his place, but Baltimore would love to have the veteran back for the postseason. Pollard practiced in a limited capacity for the entire week. With this perhaps being Lewis' last game in Baltimore, Pollard will do whatever it takes to be on the field this Sunday.
Vonta Leach, FB, (knee/ankle): Probable
Vonta Leach scared a lot of Ravens fans last week when he went down against the Bengals. He suffered an ankle injury after catching a dump off pass from Joe Flacco in a meaningless contest. Leach made it clear early on that the injury was minor and that he would play against the Colts. The injury report has echoed those sentiments as it appears he will play in the Wild-Card game.
If he isunable to play, TE Billy Bajema will take his place at fullback.
Anquan Boldin and Haloti Ngata will play against Colts
Both Boldin and Ngata appear as though they will play against Indianapolis after sitting out the finale against the Bengals. Boldin suffered a shoulder injury against the Giants and Ngata has been dealing with nagging injuries the entire season. The extra week of rest should pay dividends going forward for the two veterans.
Joe Reitz ruled out for Colts
Colts LG Joe Reitz has been ruled out of Sunday's game with a concussion. He hasn't practiced all week and will not suit up. The Ravens will look to take advantage of the guard's absence and will most likely overload that side of the line in order to get pressure on Andrew Luck.
Baltimore will also welcome the return of former Ravens Tom Zbikowski and Cory Redding. Both are probable on the injury report and are expected to play.
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Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. He can be reached for comments at SamuelN870@gmail.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.
