Injury Report & Implications: CHI @ BAL
INJURY REPORT AND IMPLICATIONS
Chicago Bears (5-8) at Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
By
Michael Nudo
You have to stop Rice to stop the Ravens (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images).
BEARS OFFENSE vs. RAVENS DEFENSE
The calf injury that kept Devin Hester out last week allowed unheralded Devin Aromashodu to have a standout game against Green Bay’s tough defense. It will be interesting to see how he’s utilized this week if Hester’s ready to go. It’s not a given, however, that Hester will be available. Orlando Pace’s groin injury has allowed Chris Williams to switch from right to left tackle, and for Kevin Shaffer to start on the right side. Pace should be fully ready for Sunday but has been working with the second team. With the playoffs out of the picture, there’s no time like the present to plan for the future.
The Ravens welcomed back pass rushing linebacker Terrell Suggs last week after he had missed the previous three games with a knee injury. They’re a different defense when Suggs is putting the heat on opposing quarterbacks. Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed has missed the last few games and has assorted aches and pains (hip, groin, foot). He has 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles this year. Former Bear linebacker and special teams standout Brendan Ayanbadejo is on Injured Reserve. Massive defensive lineman Haloti Ngata has had a hard time getting to practice this week because of a painful ankle injury.
The Ravens present yet another challenging 3-4 alignment for the Bears. Veteran defensive end Trevor Pryce has thrived in this scheme, and will be a key matchup for Kevin Shaffer provided he still has the start at right tackle. On passing downs, keep an eye out for a 2-4-5 lineup as well.
RAVENS OFFENSE vs. BEARS DEFENSE
Wide receiver Mark Clayton has had a hard time getting on the field of late because of a knee injury. Kelley Washington received the start last week. At left tackle Jared Gaither missed last week’s game (foot). Oniel Cousins started. This could prove to be a favorable matchup for defensive end Alex Brown, who is stuck on 4 sacks. Brown is due for one of his breakout games.
The Bears’ defense looks to be relatively healthy. Linebacker Jamar Williams showed up on the injury report on Wednesday with an ankle injury. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who has had knee issues for quite some time, has shown some signs of life over the last few weeks. It will be important for him to finish the season on a high note. With the playoffs out of reach, it will be interesting to see if rookie lineman Jarron Gilbert is active and gets any repetitions of note, and if they’re at tackle or end.
Ray Rice is having the kind of season that gives defensive coordinators nightmares. He has amassed 1693 yards of offense between 1041 rushing and 652 receiving yards. This will be a huge challenge for the front seven and their ability to maintain gap discipline. Look for the Bears to keep an extra safety in the box more often than usual to keep Rice at bay. If quarterback Joe Flacco is on his game, he will have opportunities to work tight end Todd Heap over the middle.