Ravens hit with significant injury bug heading into crucial Week 5 game

Significant contributors dealing with injuries for Ravens

This season, Jackson is 68-of-95 (71.6 percent) for 869 yards. He leads the NFL in yards per attempt (9.1) and passing touchdowns (10) while only throwing one interception. He's added 166 rushing yards on 21 carries.

Both teams enter 1-3, and the loser's season will be on perilous ground at 1-4. With the status of many key contributors uncertain, it might not be too early for Baltimore to panic.

In addition to being without Jackson, The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini shared that fullback Patrick Ricard, wide receiver Devontez Walker, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins all were withheld from practice on Wednesday.

Jackson left the Week 4 37-20 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Stanley (ankle) also left during the Week 4 loss, while Ricard, a five-time Pro Bowler, hasn't played this season after suffering a calf injury in August. 

Walker has played a minor role on offense, but the defensive absences are significant. Smith, one of the league's best linebackers, suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter against Kansas City. If the Ravens, who rank last in the NFL in scoring defense (33.3 points per game), have any chance of turning things around, Smith must play a key role. 

Humphrey (calf), a two-time first-team All-Pro, also left Sunday's game against the Chiefs, as did Wiggins (elbow). The reason for Awuzie's absence wasn't readily made available per the team's official website. Baltimore is already absent star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike for the remainder of the season, and losing players on the back end could expose a vulnerable Ravens secondary. 

Without getting consistent pressure, Baltimore needs to hold up in coverage, and that will be much harder to do without its top corners. Houston's offense, which is No. 29 in scoring (16 points per game), could offer a reprieve, but it's just as likely that Baltimore's defense could be a cure for the Texans' ailments. 

Struggling Ravens not living up to preseason expectations

The Ravens entered the 2025 season tied with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills for the shortest odds to win Super Bowl LX. Instead, they're the only team in the top 14 in preseason Super Bowl odds with a losing record through four games. The year hasn't gone the way Baltimore hoped, and based on Wednesday's injury report, it's unlikely to improve this Sunday.