The Week 6 clash between the Commanders and the Ravens at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday is likely to follow the offense vs defense script to the hilt. Jayden Daniels’ crew will have to withstand the daunting offense led by Lamar Jackson to achieve its fifth consecutive victory.
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While some players are likely to return to active status on the roster, the absence of some other players due to injury and sickness would still haunt both the teams.
Keen to go out full strength, the Commanders’ have been priming the big guns in the build-up. The second practice of the week saw many of their players returning to the field.
Linebacker Jordan Magee, back after a knee injury, DE Efe Obada, who returned after recovering from a lower leg ailment, both took the field in training. However, there were some inactive players too on Thursday, with Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Owens and Phidarian Mathis sitting out.
#WASvsBAL game status
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 11, 2024
Johnson was absent for the first two days of practice due to a knee injury which has been troubling him since last week. There’s still hope for the running back making it to the Sunday game. He played against the Browns on Week 5, despite missing the first two days of practice ahead of the game. Friday’s final injury report could shed some light on whether the RB will be in action against the Ravens.
Meanwhile, Austin Ekeler returned from his concussion injury and was participated in training despite a heel injury.
A positive sign was that Clelin Ferrell, absent for the last three games, had a limited participation in training. Head coach Dan Quinn had expressed his optimism about the defensive end’s return last week.
“It was awesome to have him back here at practice. And so he is definitely trending in the right space, but just not quite there just yet. But he really had a good week.“
By and large, the Commanders’ roster looks relatively healthy.
Ravens’ Bateman makes return in limited capacity
The Ravens, on the other hand, are pinning hope on the return of Rashod Bateman, their crucial wide receiver, for the Sunday game.
After missing practice on Wednesday, Bateman had a limited participation in Thursday’s training. The WR was reportedly suffering from a groin injury. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was quick to dismiss it though, describing it as “after-game type of things,” as per TheBaltimoreBanner.
Harbaugh has reiterated on multiple occasions including preseason how important Bateman is for his side’s fortunes. The WR’s return is surely good news for Ravens fans.
“Rashod’s been working to make plays — To see him come out and make those catches, those are great catches. That’s what we expect from Rashod Bateman. He’s expected to be a top receiver in the league for us. That’s what we’re planning on.“
Even as the hopes of the WR returning to assist Jackson on the offensive end rise, the defense of the team continues to wobble due to injuries. Linebacker Malik Harrison, CB Arthur Maulet, and DE Broderick Washington did not participate in Thursday’s practice, along with guard Sala Aumavae-Laulu.
The good news is that Rasheen Ali participated in full capacity despite a neck injury. So did Charlie Kolar, who has an injured toe.
Baltimore and Washington will leave no stone unturned to cement a victory in the M&T Bank Stadium’s faceoff. However, the report from the infirmary might have a huge say in the outcome.
The side with the least number of players in the injury list will have the edge and the race is on to get as many of them into the playing roster.
