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The Titans and Ravens released their first official injury report of the week ahead of their upcoming divisional round playoff matchup and there was some interesting news on both sides.
#Titans-#Ravens injuries. pic.twitter.com/iEHpH1PjSc
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 7, 2020
Titans linebacker Jayon Brown was listed as a non-participant officially after leaving the win in New England with a shoulder injury early in the game. However, he was seen stretching and warming up with the team during the portion of practice open to the media.
It would obviously be a huge help for Tennessee’s defense if Brown is able to play. The Titans best coverage linebacker will be critical to stopping both the Lamar Jackson-led option run game and the tight end heavy passing attack of the Ravens. All due respect to the veteran linebacker, but this is not a game where you probably want to see a lot of Wesley Woodyard snaps on defense.
Titans receiver Kalif Raymond practiced in full today and head coach Mike Vrabel referred to him as being “in the final stages” of the NFL’s concussion protocol. He’s missed the last two games after being knocked out by a vicious hit during the Titans-Saints game in Week 16. Raymond seems likely to return for this game and resume his duties as the team’s primary kick and punt returner in addition to offering a speed element on offense for a few snaps.
The news wasn’t as good for slot receiver Adam Humphries. He still has yet to get on the practice field since suffering an ankle injury in Week 13 against the Colts. Saturday will be just shy of six weeks since he first hurt the ankle so obviously this must have been a pretty serious sprain. While the Titans have continued to roll offensively during his absence, he’s a nice piece to have, particularly on third downs. We will see what he can do later in the week.
Adoree’ Jackson and Nate Davis were also listed as non-participants. Jackson finished Saturday’s game in New England after returning from a foot injury that had kept him out since Week 13. This could just be soreness in the foot from playing 95% of defensive snaps in his return, but his status will be worth watching on Wednesday.
Nate Davis was out with an illness, but that shouldn’t be too troubling for his status on Saturday. Hopefully he’s able to get well quickly because the rookie has been playing really well at right guard lately.
On the Ravens side of things, running back Mark Ingram did not practice today after feeling some tightness in his injured calf.
#Ravens RB Mark Ingram, not spotted at practice by reporters on the scene, was essentially full speed last week on his calf. But he felt some tightness, source said, and pulled back to avoid re-injury. He still has a chance to play the #Titans on Saturday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2020
Ingram was injured in the Ravens Week 16 win over the Browns on a non-contact play and then sat out Baltimore’s finale along with several other starters. Rapoport stops short of calling this a full blown setback, but there certainly appears to be some question as to whether the Ravens top running back will be able to go this weekend.
Gus Edwards, Ingram’s top backup, is no slouch himself though. The 6’-1”, 238-pounder has averaged 5.3 yards per carry while generating over 700 yards on the ground in each of his first two seasons in the NFL. If Ingram can’t go — or even if he’s limited — don’t expect a huge drop off when Edwards comes in. Change of pace rookie Justice Hill would also be in line for a bigger role if Ingram misses time.
Star tight end Mark Andrews was limited with an ankle injury. He’s the Ravens leading pass catcher and a key part of their vaunted red zone offense.
Cornerback Jimmy Smith and safety Earl Thomas were given the day off for non-injury related reasons.