'If They're Capable, They'll be Playing!' Ravens vs. Texans Injuries
There have been keen eyes scanning the Baltimore Ravens practice fields over the last couple of days as several players' statuses are in question for their Week 1 game against the Houston Texans.
Tight end Mark Andrews is the biggest name in doubt, as he was officially listed as questionable for Sunday, while others in, J.K. Dobbins and Rashod Bateman, have worked their way back from their respective injuries and didn't carry a final game designation.
When quizzed about the availability of several stars, Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't give anything away.
"Every week is different in terms of what's at stake, etc. and all that," Harbaugh said. "Guys want to play, and if they're capable of playing, they'll be out there playing."
In truth, there is nothing to gain from rushing players back for a Week 1 encounter, given how long the NFL season now is.
Baltimore will want to get off to a winning start at M&T Bank Stadium, but putting any player who isn't 100 percent likely isn't high on the list of things to do for the Ravens this week.
Odell Beckham Jr. is another who is ready to go for his new team, as he didn't have a final game designation on Baltimore's injury report, so we will get a first look at OBJ in Todd Monken's offense.
There has been a lot of talk about what the Ravens' new offense under Monken could and will look like. Lamar Jackson has arguably the best collection of talent at his disposal since being in the league.
Draftee Zay Flowers, OBJ, and Nelson Agholor join an offense that many see as being the most explosive in the NFL, and Monken even stated he is "excited to get started."
Many are excited to see exactly what this new, high-octane offense looks like on Sunday is one of the most fascinating things to watch.
For Harbaugh, the long grind of the preseason is over, and that means one thing.
“We’re ready to go, it's time to go play football,” he said with a grin.