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With little drama surrounding the four biggest injury concerns for the Ravens on the final injury report of the week, the Denver Broncos provided the biggest headline with the news of Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey missing Thursday night’s opener.
After already ruling out defensive tackle Arthur Jones with an undisclosed illness earlier in the week, the Ravens are extremely unlikely to have the services of wide receiver Deonte Thompson (foot), defensive tackle Brandon Williams (toe), and offensive lineman Ryan Jensen (foot), who were all listed as doubtful. The trio missed practices all week and aren’t expected to play.
Bailey has been dealing with a foot injury and hadn’t practiced all week as reports earlier Wednesday suggested the 35-year-old was becoming increasingly pessimistic about his status in the opener. The 12-time Pro Bowl selection was infamously beaten for two long touchdowns by wide receiver Torrey Smith in the Ravens’ 38-35 double-overtime victory last January.
The Broncos also ruled out backup tight end Joel Dreessen with a knee injury.
The good news for the Ravens was tight end Ed Dickson and rush specialist Pernell McPhee both being listed as probable for Thursday’s game. Dickson was a full participant in practices this week and had become increasingly optimistic over the last couple weeks in coming back from a torn hamstring suffered early in August. McPhee was estimated to be a full participant in Wednesday’s walk-through before the team departed for Denver.
Tight end Dennis Pitta was removed from Wednesday’s injury report since he was placed on injured reserve-designated to return earlier in the day.
BALTIMORE
OUT: DT Art Jones (illness – NFI)
DOUBTFUL: C Ryan Jensen (foot), WR Deonte Thompson (foot), DT Brandon Williams (toe)
PROBABLE: TE Ed Dickson (thigh), DE Pernell McPhee (knee)
DENVER
OUT: RB C.J. Anderson (knee), CB Champ Bailey (foot), TE Joel Dreessen (knee)
DOUBTFUL: G Chris Kuper (ankle)
PROBABLE: DE Robert Ayers (Achilles), T Ryan Clady (shoulder), QB Brock Osweiler (left shoulder), WR Wes Welker (ankle)
