Ravens list Andrews, Ricard as questionable for Kansas City game

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens listed standout tight end Mark Andrews and defensive lineman/fullback hybrid Patrick Ricard as questionable for Sunday’s much-anticipated tilt in Kansas City.
Both are set to play against the Chiefs after practicing Thursday and Friday, but Andrews remained a limited participant with a lingering foot issue while Ricard (back) practiced fully Friday. Andrews’ effectiveness will be worth monitoring, but the ailment didn’t seem to hinder him much in Week 2 as he registered eight receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown in the 23-17 win over Arizona.
As expected, the Ravens officially ruled out safety Brynden Trawick (elbow) and cornerback Jimmy Smith (right knee) after neither practiced this week. Head coach John Harbaugh said Smith is making progress in his recovery from the Grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain sustained early in the season opener at Miami.
“He’s doing well. He’s very positive,” Harbaugh said. “We can’t say for sure; he hasn’t run yet. But he’s close to that. He’s on schedule, and we’ll know more in the next probably two weeks.”
Smith’s status is more notable with the Ravens’ reported interest in Jacksonville cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who played in the Jaguars’ win over Tennessee Thursday night. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback was coveted by the Ravens in the 2016 draft and would require a substantial price in a potential trade as well as a lucrative contract to retain his services beyond the 2020 season.
Without Ramsey’s name being mentioned, Harbaugh was asked Friday how much he pays attention to potential player acquisitions and trade rumors.
“I see the direction we’re going with that,” said Harbaugh as he laughed. “I keep track of most of it. I don’t know anything about that, and obviously, you can’t and you would never comment on another player on another team. It’s just not what you do and it’s illegal, according to league rules.
“But I’m like fans; I read it. It adds a little interest because if someone gets traded to a team that we’re playing or away from a team that we play, that matters to us. If we’re ever involved in one of those, then that really matters to us. But it’s not something you could ever comment on anyway.”
The Chiefs are in a worse place than Baltimore from a health standpoint after officially ruling out three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyreek Hill (shoulder), starting left tackle Eric Fisher (groin), and running back Damien Williams. Running back LeSean McCoy (ankle) was designated as questionable, but the veteran was able to practice fully Friday.
Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale downplayed the significance of Hill’s absence while complimenting the creative play-calling of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
“Let’s see, Hill runs about a 4.21 [40-yard dash]. They put in a guy that runs about a 4.22 40,” Martindale said. “So, they’re fast. And Andy Reid, we talk about all these young, innovative offensive coordinators. I hope he doesn’t get mad at me saying this, [but] he’s the grandfather. He’s the ‘O.G.’ of the innovators of offense. And the offense that he has there in Kansas City, everybody steals from.”
According to Weather.com, the Sunday forecast in Kansas City calls for rain and temperatures in the low 70s with winds 10 to 15 miles per hour. Some heavy rain is possible, which would add an interesting twist to an exciting matchup.
“I heard that it could rain,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t really have any other thoughts on it other than we’ll just go play in it and try to make sure we do a good job with the ball handling and the footing and those kinds of things.”
Below is the final injury report for Week 3:
BALTIMORE
OUT: CB Jimmy Smith (knee), S Brynden Trawick (elbow)
QUESTIONABLE: CB Jimmy Smith (knee), S Brynden Trawick (elbow)
KANSAS CITY
OUT: OT Eric Fisher (groin), WR Tyreek Hill (shoulder), RB Damien Williams (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: RB LeSean McCoy (ankle)