OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Playing in their first game without franchise quarterback Joe Flacco since 2007, the Ravens offensive line will be far less than 100 percent for Matt Schaub against Cleveland on Monday night.
On the final injury report of the week, starting left guard Kelechi Osemele (knee) and starting left tackle Eugene Monroe (shoulder) were both listed as doubtful to play against the Browns. Though estimated as a limited participant on Thursday’s injury report — a day on which the Ravens didn’t practice due to the Thanksgiving holiday — Osemele did not take part in any practices this week after already missing last Sunday’s game against St. Louis.
Monroe hasn’t taken part in practices all week after re-injuring his shoulder in the third quarter of the Rams game. The veteran offensive tackle has already missed four games and parts of three others in an injury-plagued 2015 campaign.
“The guys who haven’t practiced, they have reps; they can play,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We’ll just get them to Monday night — we have an extra day — and see how they’re doing, see where we’re at, and if they can play, they will. That’s the kind of guys they are, and if they can’t, the next guys are ready to play. It’s a cohesive group. I’m not too worried about the [offensive] line at all. It’s a cohesive group, we have depth, and no matter who is playing is going to play really well.”
Should the pair not be able to play, the Ravens would start James Hurst at left tackle and Ryan Jensen at left guard. Of course, it was Hurst who rolled into Flacco’s left knee to cause a season-ending injury on the final drive of last week’s win over St. Louis.
Baltimore would likely need to add another healthy offensive lineman to the 53-man roster, meaning guards Kaleb Johnson and Robert Myers could be candidates to promote from the practice squad. With Monroe and Osemele injury, the Ravens have just six healthy offensive linemen on the current roster.
They listed No. 3 cornerback Shareece Wright as questionable after a back issue flared up on Friday. He did not take part in Saturday’s practice and would likely be replaced by veteran Kyle Arrington in the nickel package if he cannot play.
A disappointing season continues for wide receiver Marlon Brown, who was listed as doubtful with a back injury after not practicing all week. The third-year wideout played a season-low four offensive snaps in Week 11 and has become a complete afterthought in the Ravens’ passing game after beginning the year as the No. 3 receiver.
Rookie tight end Nick Boyle (foot) is probable to play against Cleveland after missing the first game of his NFL career last week.
Tight end Chase Ford (shoulder) was also listed as doubtful for Monday’s game after failing to participate in Saturday’s practice.
Meanwhile, the Browns officially ruled out Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden and wide receivers Taylor Gabriel and Andrew Hawkins with concussions. Veteran defensive end Randy Starks was also declared out with a knee injury.
Below is the final full injury report of the week:
BALTIMORE
DOUBTFUL: WR Marlon Brown (back), TE Chase Ford (shoulder), T Eugene Monroe (shoulder), G Kelechi Osemele (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: CB Shareece Wright (back)
PROBABLE: TE Nick Boyle (foot)
CLEVELAND
OUT: WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion), CB Joe Haden (concussion), WR Andrew Hawkins (concussion), DE Randy Starks (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: G Joel Bitonio (ankle), LB Nate Orchard (groin)
PROBABLE: QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow), QB Josh McCown (ribs), S Donte Whitner (concussion)
