Baltimore Beatdown
The Baltimore Ravens may have outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy back on the field sooner than expected.
The 12-year veteran was originally expected to miss multiple games due to a Week 2 hamstring injury, but he participated in practice on Friday, albeit in a limited capacity. He is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the Chiefs, giving him a chance to limit his absence to just one game.
Van Noy’s return would fortify a Ravens front seven that struggled without him and Nnamdi Madubuike last week. Rookie outside linebacker Mike Green disappointed in an expanded role, and the unit as a whole couldn’t stop the run or get to Jared Goff for a single snap.
With only one practice under his belt, Van Noy seems like a long shot to play on Sunday. If active, he would likely take limited snaps on key passing downs. That may force the Ravens to adjust their game day roster plans and keep David Ojabo active for more depth. If Van Noy can’t go, a Week 5 return is certainly in play.
Here are the Ravens’ final injury designations for Week 4:
Questionable
Out
Likely was upgraded to full participation on Friday, but, as his ‘questionable’ designation indicates, his status for Sunday’s game remains up in the air. Minimal practice time should not be an issue for the fourth-year tight end, who has looked very comfortable in Todd Monken’s offense over the last two years. Like Van Noy, Likely could play on a snap count and rotate in with Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar.
After missing the first two practices, Stanley was a limited participant on Friday, a positive sign for his availability vs. the Chiefs after his absence on Wednesday and Thursday. John Harbaugh characterized him as “day-to-day” after practice.
Both Stanley and Likely could probably be characterized as game-time decisions. It would not be surprising to see both players go through a pre-game warmup to help the team make a final determination.
Jones is trending towards playing on Sunday, a massive relief for a banged-up defensive line that will be without Madubuike and Washington.
The Chiefs are entering Sunday’s game in excellent health. Head coach Andy Reid said that Xavier Worthy will make his return in Week 4 after missing the last two games due to injury. Defensive ends Mike Danna and Asthon Gillotte were both downgraded on Friday and are unlikely to play, but the rest of the team seems ready to go.
Here are the Chiefs’ final injury designations for Week 4:
Doubtful
Questionable
