Injury Report Update
Good news from Baltimore as all four Patriots who were listed as questionable are officially active for Sunday night: DT Christian Barmore (knee), OLB Harold Landry III (knee), CB Marcus Jones (knee), and CB Carlton Davis III (hip). However, New England’s inactives include LB Robert Spillane (foot), OT Marcus Bryant, TE C.J. Dippre, WR Efton Chism III, and QB Tommy DeVito serving as the emergency third quarterback. For the Ravens, the inactive players are CB Chidobe Awuzie (foot), WR Tylan Wallace, T Joseph Noteboom, DT Basil Okoye, DT Aeneas Peebles, with QB Cooper Rush as the emergency third quarterback.
Defensive Challenges
The Patriots defense is dealing with several injuries. Spillane is the only player from the final injury report who will not play after being ruled out earlier in the week. He did not see any action last week against the Bills, despite being active, and is now seen in a walking boot. He has been ruled out for the game against the Ravens after not participating in practice.
Run Defense Concerns
With Spillane’s absence and DT Milton Williams (ankle) on injured reserve, the Patriots’ run defense has struggled recently, now ranking 31st in success rate since Week 11, down from eighth. The Patriots hope that returning players will aid in stabilizing their run defense for a potential playoff run. For now, they need to mitigate the Ravens’ strong rushing attack without two key defenders.
Key Matchups
The Ravens boast a formidable rushing attack, ranking sixth in EPA and second in explosive run rate, led by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and star RB Derrick Henry. With Spillane out, linebackers Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss are expected to start. Last week, they allowed 107 rushing yards on 22 attempts against the Bills, suggesting the need for improved performance.
Adding Depth at Linebacker
The Patriots recently signed LB Chad Muma from the Colts’ practice squad. While Gibbens and Elliss will likely be the primary starting linebackers, Muma might contribute on special teams, alleviating some of the playtime burden. Both Gibbens and Elliss had significant snaps last week, and the intention is to keep them fresher for defensive roles.
Active Secondary and Adjustments
Starting cornerbacks Carlton Davis III (hip) and Marcus Jones (knee) are set to play, which is beneficial for the Patriots’ defensive strategy. New England primarily employs a nickel defense, and their presence will be crucial against Baltimore’s varied offensive formations. If limited, CB Charles Woods is prepared to step in effectively, having shown promise in last week’s game.
Game Preview and Expectations
The Patriots face an important matchup against the Ravens, with a chance to secure a playoff berth with their 12th win. They are currently the only NFL team undefeated on the road. Although they can’t clinch the AFC East this week, a victory against a strong opponent like the Ravens would show their resilience following a tough loss. The game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.
