With their pride already wounded after a 1-4 start to 2015, the Ravens’ bodies may feel even worse as five players were officially ruled out or doubtful and five starters were listed as questionable prior to their Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Baltimore received good news on Sunday afternoon, however, with wide receiver Steve Smith (back), running back Justin Forsett (ankle), outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (groin), guard Marshal Yanda (ankle), and tight end Crockett Gillmore (calf) all being listed as active. How much each will be able to play remains to be seen as Forsett and Dumervil only returned to practice on Friday while Smith is returning to live-game action a little over two weeks after suffering multiple microfractures in his lower back.
Even with Forsett active, rookie Buck Allen would still figure to receive an increased workload, especially in wake of second-year running back Lorenzo Taliaferro being placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. Rookie free agent Terrence Magee was promoted from the practice squad on Saturday and will serve as the No. 3 running back while the recently-claimed Raheem Mostert was deactivated for Sunday’s game.
With five of their seven deactivated players dealing with injuries — including starting cornerback Lardarius Webb — the Ravens may have pushed the issue a little more with several of their banged-up starters who are less than 100 percent. Newly-signed cornerback Shareece Wright could see extensive playing time with Webb absent, Will Davis gone for the season, and nickel back Terrence Brooks (thumb) also out for Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile, the 49ers officially deactivated veteran running back Reggie Bush with a calf injury, but No. 1 option Carlos Hyde (foot) was active for Sunday’s game. As expected, tight end Vernon Davis (knee) was also active and will make his return to the field after a two-game absence.
John Parry will be the referee for Sunday’s game at Levi’s Stadium.
The Ravens will be wearing white jerseys and white pants while San Francisco dons its red tops with gold pants.
According to Weather.com, the forecast for San Clara, Calif. calls for mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the high 60s with winds up to 14 miles per hour on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday marks the fifth regular-season meeting between the Ravens and the 49ers with Baltimore owning the 3-1 edge, which, of course, does not include the 34-31 victory in Super Bowl XLVII. The Ravens are also seeking their seventh straight win against NFC opponents.
Below are Sunday’s inactives:
BALTIMORE
WR Darren Waller
WR Breshad Perriman
CB Lardarius Webb
S Terrence Brooks
RB Raheem Mostert
C Ryan Jensen
DL Chris Canty
SAN FRANCISCO
WR Bruce Ellington
RB Reggie Bush
LB Gerald Hodges
G Brandon Thomas
OL Ian Silberman
NT Mike Purcell
LB Corey Lemonier
