OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens will again be light at two key positions for their Week 6 trip to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Giants.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (foot) and outside linebacker Justin Houston (groin) were officially ruled out on Friday after missing the entire week of practice. Bateman has been sidelined since injuring his left foot in the Oct. 2 loss to Buffalo while Houston will miss a third straight game after hurting his groin in the first half of the Sept. 25 win at New England.
With Bateman out, the Ravens are again expected to lean more heavily on Devin Duvernay, who registered career highs in targets (seven), catches (five), receiving yards (54), and rushing attempts (three) in the 19-17 win over Cincinnati last Sunday. Pro Football Focus has graded Duvernay 14th among qualified wide receivers while Football Outsiders has ranked the 2020 third-round pick in the top 10 in several categories tracking value and efficiency.
Needless to say, the Pro Bowl return specialist has taken quite a step forward in his third season as he’s just 46 receiving yards shy of his single-season career high.
“It hit my brain with just how far he’s come, and he’s still [trending upward],” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “I’m really proud of what he’s doing, excited for him, and we’re definitely expanding his portfolio in terms of what we’re asking him to do and different things we can do with him. He’s doing a great job.”
Though outside linebackers Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo began their respective 21-day practice windows coming back from Achilles tendon injuries earlier this week, they didn’t practice Friday and aren’t expected to be activated to play against the Giants. That means the Ravens will likely turn to their practice squad for additional game-day depth at outside linebacker with veterans Jeremiah Attaochu and Brandon Copeland — who’s played in each of the last three games — and rookie Jeremiah Moon being candidates for a promotion.
Though returning to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday, running back Justice Hill (hamstring) was designated as doubtful on the final injury report and is expected to miss his second straight game. Running back Gus Edwards (knee) began his 21-day practice window last week, but his 2022 debut coming on the infamous turf at MetLife Stadium appears highly unlikely.
“He’s doing well. He looks good,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “It’s just a matter of when he’s really ready to play at a high level. I do believe he’s getting close.”
The Ravens activated both Kenyan Drake and Mike Davis to back up J.K. Dobbins last Sunday.
Reserve guard Ben Cleveland will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury sustained during practice last week.
The Giants are still dealing with plenty of injuries and officially ruled out wide receivers Kadarius Toney (hamstring) and Kenny Golladay (knee) as well as former Ravens safety Tony Jefferson (foot). Starting defensive end Azeez Ojulari (calf) was officially listed as doubtful, but starting defensive tackle Leonard Williams (knee) appears on track to make his return after missing the last three games.
Standout running back Saquon Barkley was not given a game status designation despite being limited with a shoulder injury this week, meaning he’s good to go against Baltimore.
Below is the final injury report for Week 6:
BALTIMORE
OUT: WR Rashod Bateman (foot), G Ben Cleveland (foot), OLB Justin Houston (groin)
DOUBTFUL: RB Justice Hill (hamstring)
NEW YORK
OUT: CB Cor’Dale Flott (calf), WR Kenny Golladay (knee), S Tony Jefferson (foot), S Jason Pinnock (ankle), WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring)
DOUBTFUL: DE Azeez Ojulari (calf)
QUESTIONABLE: TE Tanner Hudson (illness), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee), DT Leonard Williams (knee)
