The Baltimore Ravens’ task of solving the NFL’s No. 1 defense this Sunday just got a lot more difficult.
On Friday, the Ravens announced that they’ll be without wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) and Rashod Bateman (hamstring) for Sunday’s Week 4 road contest against the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns.
Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey (foot) and linebackers Odafe Oweh (ankle) and David Ojabo (knee/ankle) are also out. Additionally, Pro Bowl offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley is doubtful as he continues to deal with a knee injury.
With OBJ and Bateman out, the Ravens will rely a lot more on their two leading receivers in rookie Zay Flowers (21 receptions for 188 yards) and veteran speedster Nelson Agholor (nine catches for 102 yards and a touchdown) plus Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews.
Entering Week 4, the Browns are surrendering the fewest points (10.7), yards (163.7) and passing yards (111.7), per game, and Jim Schwartz’s unit has already logged nine sacks.
Both the Ravens and Browns enter Week 4 with a 2-1 record, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for tops in the AFC North. So yes, Sunday’s showdown indeed already carries potentially massive postseason implications for both clubs.
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In two games, the 30-year-old Beckham has five catches for 66 yards. The 23-year-old Bateman, Baltimore’s 2021 first-round pick, has seven receptions for 59 yards through his first three games.
