“We’re pretty optimistic about everybody, varying degrees of optimism with certain guys,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just like any week, you have to see it unfold. Some guys are good to go. Other guys are going to be more day by day.”
Baltimore has decisions on wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay and defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, who are in the middle of their injured reserve practice window.
With preparation for the Texans underway, we’re looking at which Ravens benefited the most from the first-round bye.
Zay Flowers
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)
The rookie wide receiver has been nursing a calf injury, and the week off was much needed.
Marlon Humphrey
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Like Flowers, Humphrey has been nursing a calf injury that cost him a couple of games down the stretch after missing the first five games of the season with a broken foot.
Odafe Oweh
Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) celebrates after making a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Oweh exited the season finale with an ankle injury and the week off hopefully allowed the pass rushers to regain some explosive power.
Malik Harrison
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Malik Harrison #40 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts to tackle Sam Darnold #14 of the San Francisco 49ers as he attempts a pass during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Harrison has been nursing a groin injury, and a week off should allow the physical linebacker to play a role alongside Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Beckham Jr. has dealt with ankle and shoulder injuries this season, and the last time he was in the playoffs, he suffered an ACL injury.
The extra of week can always be a positive for an explosive pass catcher.
Lamar Jackson
Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson played in 16 of the Ravens 17 regular season games and would have been available if Week 18 was a must win scenario.
The MVP favorite dealt with an ankle injury down the stretch and the week off will allow Jackson to be explosive and refreshed.
Mark Andrews
Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) fights a tackle from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) in the first quarter in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports
Andrews may have benefited the most from the extra time off.
The Pro Bowl tight end returned for his first practice on Friday, was back out practicing again Wednesday, making a leaping catch during individual drills.
Kevin Zeitler
Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws as guard Kevin Zeitler (70) provides coverage against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The talented offensive guard has dealt with knee and quad injuries, and miss time during the Ravens bye week practice.
Kyle Hamilton
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after his interception during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The All-Pro has dealt with a knee injury for about a month now and the bye week allowed Hamilton seven extra days of rest after missing the previous two games.
Geno Stone
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 22: Geno Stone #26 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after an interception in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Stone exited the Ravens season finale with a knee injury.
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