Ravens HC John Harbaugh 'very hopeful' All-Pro defender will return for AFC title game
The Ravens are still trying to get fully healthy ahead of their AFC Championship matchup against the Chiefs, but head coach John Harbaugh revealed he's optimistic they could be getting back one of their top defenders for Sunday.
"I promise you, if Marlon [Humphrey] can go, he will. If he can practice, he will. I think you'll see it as the week goes on how much, based on how much he practices," Harbaugh told reporters. "I'm very hopeful. We'll have to see what happens."
Humphrey missed Baltimore's divisional-round matchup against the Texans with a calf injury that he suffered in Week 17. It was his eighth game he missed this season.
The former All-Pro cornerback hasn't had the year he likely imagined after missing the first four games of the season due to a foot injury that required surgery. He has just 26 tackles, one interception and five passes defensed in 2023.
Nonetheless, it will still be a big boost for the Ravens if Humphrey can return to the starting lineup this week, especially with two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion QB Patrick Mahomes coming to town.
Baltimore may be a 3.5-point favorite to begin the week, but there's a reason Kansas City is heading to its sixth straight AFC title game. Mahomes knows how to win the games that matter, which is something QB Lamar Jackson has somewhat struggled to do to start his career with a 2-3 playoff record.
The three-time Pro Bowler would further strengthen the Ravens defense, which has allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) and sixth fewest passing yards per game (191.9) in the league this year.
Baltimore has been making do with veteran cornerbacks Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet and Brandon Stephens in his absence. And while they have played "outstanding," according to Harbaugh, a return by Humphrey would be perfect timing as the Ravens fight to be the AFC's representative in Super Bowl LVIII.
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