OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The effects of the new injury report rules for 2016 were evident on the final update released by the Ravens ahead of Sunday’s season opener against Buffalo.
As expected, linebacker Elvis Dumervil, cornerback Jerraud Powers, and running back Kenneth Dixon were declared out for Week 1, but tight end Dennis Pitta, guard John Urschel, tight end Maxx Williams, and cornerback Shareece Wright were all listed as questionable despite participating fully in practices all week. The NFL has eliminated the “probable” designation, which used to mean a player had a 75 percent or better chance of playing.
Teams will now use the “questionable” label — previously used for “50-50” situations — for any player who is uncertain to play in the game and “doubtful” for anyone considered unlikely to participate.
“Usually, you figure out who’s going to play and who’s not going to play pretty much,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “If you don’t know, you’ll see when they give you the report an hour-and-a-half before game time, you see who is actually going to play. I think it’s much ado about not much.”
Dumervil had already ruled himself out of the opener on Wednesday, but the Pro Bowl edge rusher’s absence opens the door for younger options such as Za’Darius Smith and Matt Judon to see more pass-rushing opportunities. Albert McClellan will start at the strong-side outside linebacker spot in the base defense while Terrell Suggs will make his long-awaited return to the rush linebacker spot.
Despite missing more than a month of training camp with a broken finger, Pitta is set to make his return to live-game action for the first time in two years. The 31-year-old is attempting to come back from two catastrophic injuries to his right hip.
“He’s put in a lot of work. It’s been a long road for him,” Harbaugh said. “It will be great to see him come out of that tunnel with the smoke going. I’m sure it will be a big moment for him, too, and I’m looking forward to seeing him play. I’m glad he’s on our side.”
Buffalo officially ruled out two backup players: safety Colt Anderson and cornerback Kevon Seymour. Rookie third-string quarterback Cardale Jones was listed as questionable with a shoulder issue.
The Bills learned Friday that right tackle Seantrel Henderson dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Henderson’s agent has said his client was using marijuana to relieve the effects of Crohn’s disease.
The referee for Sunday’s game will be Brad Allen.
According to Weather.com, the Sunday forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-80s and only a 10 percent chance of precipitation.
Below is the final injury report of the week:
BALTIMORE
OUT: RB Kenneth Dixon (knee), LB Elvis Dumervil (foot), CB Jerraud Powers (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: TE Dennis Pitta (finger), G/C John Urschel (shoulder), TE Maxx Williams (knee), CB Shareece Wright (foot)
BUFFALO
OUT: S Colt Anderson (foot), CB Kevon Seymour (hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE: OL Ryan Groy (ribs), QB Cardale Jones (right shoulder), RB Jonathan Williams (ribs)
