CINCINNATI — The Baltimore Ravens will be missing two defensive starters when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and they could also be without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter confirmed Friday that outside linebacker Tavius Robinson will miss the remainder of the season with a pectoral injury. Starting safety Jaylinn Hawkins has also been ruled out with a knee injury, while Jackson remains questionable with a high ankle sprain.
Robinson's loss is particularly damaging to Baltimore's defense. The fourth-year linebacker leads the Ravens with 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits through six games. He also has 18 tackles and has played 72% of the team's defensive snaps.
His absence leaves Baltimore looking for additional production from Mike Green and rookies Zion Young and Ethan Burke. Former Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who now plays for Baltimore, is also expected to remain an important part of the Ravens' pass rush.
Hawkins' absence creates another problem for Baltimore. The veteran safety has started all six games this season and recorded 30 tackles. His injury could lead to additional playing time for Keondre Jackson or K'Von Wallace, while Baltimore may also adjust Kyle Hamilton's role in the secondary.
Defensive tackle Broderick Washington is questionable with an ankle injury, while cornerback T.J. Tampa is doubtful with a knee injury. Tampa remains on injured reserve but was designated to return to practice earlier this week.
Lamar Jackson's Status Remains Uncertain
Jackson returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain against Tennessee on October 4. He participated on a limited basis throughout the week and remains questionable for Sunday's game.
Speaking Friday, Jackson confirmed that the injury is a high ankle sprain and said he continues to experience pain when running. Although he believes his ankle is improving, he acknowledged that his mobility will be an important factor in determining whether he can play.
Jackson has missed Baltimore's last two games, with Tyler Huntley starting in his place. Huntley led the Ravens to a comeback victory over Atlanta before struggling in last week's 13-10 loss to Cleveland.
If Jackson cannot play, Huntley would be expected to make his third consecutive start.
An Opportunity for Cincinnati
The injuries could give Cincinnati an advantage in a matchup between two teams competing near the top of the AFC North.
The Bengals enter Sunday at 3-2 following their bye week, while Baltimore is 4-2 after losing to Cleveland. Cincinnati also enters the matchup without any players carrying injury-related game-status designations on its final report.
For Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense, the absence of Robinson and Hawkins could create opportunities against a Ravens defense forced to adjust its personnel.
However, Baltimore still has several talented defenders, including Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and Hendrickson. The Ravens will also have center Cam Jurgens available after he cleared concussion protocol, giving their offense an important reinforcement.
Cincinnati will need to take advantage of Baltimore's defensive absences rather than assume the Ravens will struggle without those starters.
The Bengals and Ravens kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The game will be televised on CBS.
