As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, every team is eyeing their playoff aspirations, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, Week 18 is pivotal—one that could shape the future of their postseason hopes. As the Ravens prepare for a crucial AFC North showdown with the Browns, both teams will need their key players to be healthy and ready for action.
Injuries are always a critical factor in the NFL, and heading into this game, both teams are dealing with their fair share of bumps, bruises, and injuries that could have major impacts on the outcome. With so much on the line, let’s break down the current injury report for both teams and analyze who is in, who is out, and how these injuries could impact their chances in this must-win matchup.
### **Baltimore Ravens Injury Report:**
The Ravens have been managing injuries throughout the season, but as they look to secure a strong playoff spot, they can’t afford to lose any key contributors. Let’s take a look at who’s in and who’s out for the Ravens heading into their Week 18 contest against the Browns.
#### **Key Inclusions:**
1. **Lamar Jackson (QB)**
**Status:** Active
Lamar Jackson’s return has been one of the major talking points of the Ravens’ second half of the season. After missing several weeks with a knee injury, Jackson is back at practice and expected to start in Week 18. His mobility and playmaking ability are crucial for the Ravens’ offense, especially as they face a talented Cleveland defense. Jackson has been limited in his ability to be a consistent presence on the field this year, but the Ravens’ playoff hopes hinge on his health and performance. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will be a key factor in the Ravens’ success against a tough Browns defense.
2. **J.K. Dobbins (RB)**
**Status:** Active
Dobbins has dealt with injuries throughout his career, including a knee issue earlier this season, but he has looked explosive in recent weeks. The Ravens need Dobbins to be at full speed in Week 18, as their running game is an integral part of their offensive identity. Dobbins has shown flashes of his former self, and his presence in the backfield will help alleviate some of the pressure on Jackson.
3. **Roquan Smith (LB)**
**Status:** Active
One of the most impactful midseason trades, Roquan Smith has transformed the Ravens’ defense since joining the team. Smith has been a tackling machine and a playmaker in the middle of the field. His ability to stop the run and cover in pass protection has been a huge asset to the defense, and he will be counted on heavily to contain the Browns’ potent rushing attack, led by Nick Chubb.
#### **Key Exclusions:**
1. **Mark Andrews (TE)**
**Status:** Out
One of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets, Andrews is a major loss for the Ravens in Week 18. The tight end has been dealing with knee and shoulder injuries that have limited his ability to practice and play consistently in recent weeks. Andrews has been a key piece in the Ravens’ offense throughout the season, and without him, Baltimore will need to find a way to generate offense, especially in the red zone. Backup tight ends like Isaiah Likely will need to step up to fill the void.
2. **Marlon Humphrey (CB)**
**Status:** Questionable
Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens’ top cornerback, is listed as questionable for Week 18 with a lingering thigh injury. Humphrey is crucial to the Ravens’ secondary, often tasked with shutting down top receivers. If he is unable to go, the Ravens’ secondary could be exposed, particularly against Cleveland’s wide receiver duo of Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. If Humphrey plays, he will have to be at his best to limit Cleveland’s passing game.
3. **Tyus Bowser (OLB)**
**Status:** Out
Bowser, a critical pass rusher for the Ravens, will miss the game due to a knee injury. His absence could make it harder for Baltimore to pressure Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has shown that he is susceptible to the rush. The Ravens will need other players like Odafe Oweh and Jason Pierre-Paul to step up and fill the void left by Bowser.
### **Cleveland Browns Injury Report:**
For the Cleveland Browns, their Week 18 showdown with the Ravens has playoff implications as well, though their path to the postseason is much more tenuous. Nonetheless, Cleveland will be looking to spoil Baltimore’s playoff hopes and finish the season strong. The Browns have their own injury concerns, and these could make or break their chances in this crucial game.
#### **Key Inclusions:**
1. **Deshaun Watson (QB)**
**Status:** Active
After a long layoff due to his suspension, Deshaun Watson has started to find his rhythm in the second half of the season. Watson has shown flashes of his former self, and with the Browns still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, they’ll need their franchise quarterback to perform at a high level. The Ravens’ defense, particularly with Roquan Smith at the helm, will make life difficult for Watson, but the Browns are counting on his mobility and arm strength to keep their playoff hopes alive.
2. **Nick Chubb (RB)**
**Status:** Active
One of the NFL’s top running backs, Nick Chubb has been a cornerstone of Cleveland’s offense throughout the season. Chubb is fully healthy and ready to play in this must-win game, and his ability to dominate the ground game is vital to the Browns’ chances. Chubb will be tasked with taking advantage of Baltimore’s defense, which has been inconsistent against the run. If Chubb can control the clock and keep the ball out of Lamar Jackson’s hands, the Browns will be in a strong position.
3. **Amari Cooper (WR)**
**Status:** Active
Cooper has been Watson’s primary target since his return, and he is set to play in Week 18. As the Browns’ most consistent and dynamic wide receiver, Cooper will be counted on to create big plays in the passing game. His chemistry with Watson will be key to attacking Baltimore’s secondary, particularly if Marlon Humphrey is unable to play. The Ravens will likely rely on coverage schemes to limit Cooper, but he remains one of the most dangerous weapons on the field.
#### **Key Exclusions:**
1. **David Njoku (TE)**
**Status:** Out
David Njoku, a key component of the Browns’ offense, is dealing with a lingering ankle injury that will keep him out for Week 18. Njoku has been Watson’s safety blanket over the middle of the field and in the red zone. Without him, the Browns will need other tight ends like Harrison Bryant to step up in the passing game. This could impact Cleveland’s ability to sustain drives and create mismatches against the Ravens’ defense.
2. **Jack Conklin (RT)**
**Status:** Out
Jack Conklin, one of Cleveland’s top offensive linemen, is expected to miss Week 18 with a knee injury. Conklin’s absence is a significant blow to the Browns’ offensive line, which will now have to face the Ravens’ pass rush without one of its best blockers. This could affect both the running game and Deshaun Watson’s protection in the pocket. Backup linemen will need to fill in for Conklin and keep the Ravens’ defense at bay.
3. **Denzel Ward (CB)**
**Status:** Questionable
Denzel Ward is listed as questionable with a groin injury. As the Browns’ top cornerback, Ward’s presence is crucial in containing the Ravens’ receiving corps. If Ward is unable to go, the Browns’ secondary will be in trouble, especially if Lamar Jackson has a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Ward’s availability will be one of the key factors in determining how successful the Browns are in limiting Baltimore’s passing game.
### **Key Takeaways:**
With both teams dealing with injuries heading into this critical matchup, the game is shaping up to be a battle of which team can overcome their limitations and execute under pressure. For the Ravens, the return of Lamar Jackson and J.K. Dobbins is critical, but the absence of Mark Andrews and potentially Marlon Humphrey could leave gaps in their performance. On the other hand, the Browns are hoping that Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb can carry the offense, but losing David Njoku and Jack Conklin could undermine their chances of controlling the game.
As always, the NFL is a league where injuries play a massive role in determining outcomes, and this Week 18 showdown is no different. With both teams hungry for a playoff berth, the battle on the field could come down to which team has the depth and resilience to battle through their injuries and secure a victory. It’s sure to be an exciting and hard-fought contest in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.
