Marlon

Humphrey

Bateman hasn’t practiced all week, but John Harbaugh said he believes both Bateman and Marlon Humphrey (illness — also questionable) to be cleared by game time on Sunday. Bateman has barely cracked the fantasy radar all season and would be hard to trust if he was healthy.

He didn’t even miss a practice after being sidelined ahead of Week 11’s game with the Browns. Humphrey will return and help limit the Jets’ new-look passing game in Week 12.

Humphrey underwent a minor procedure last week that sidelined him for Week 11 against the Browns. He was never expected to miss more than a game or two, so Harbaugh’s early optimism that he could return in Week 12 doesn’t come as a surprise. Humphrey has played on 272 coverage snaps this season, per PFF, breaking up four passes while also forcing one interception.

According to Harbaugh, Humphrey would likely miss one or two games if he did need surgery. The team is still weighing that decision, but with games against the Browns and Jets on tap over the next two weeks, it’s safe to say the Ravens can afford to be without Humphrey if he does opt for surgery. Humphrey has struggled in coverage this season, allowing 32 receptions for 461 yards and two touchdowns on 45 targets, but did notch his first interception of the season in Week 10’s win over the Vikings.

Neither are CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), ILB Roquan Smith (hamstring), or CB Marlon Humphrey (illness) — and outside of Humphrey missing Wednesday’s practice all four of those players got in full sessions all week. Baltimore’s defense finally looks to mostly be recovered from their early October swoon. Will they actually play better in Week 8? That’s the real question.

The Ravens’ defensive health is improving, though it still lacks a capable pass rush. CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) is practicing in full, as are S Kyle Hamilton (groin) and LB Roquan Smith (hamstring). This unit was one to target for fantasy purposes pre-bye, in Weeks 1-6, and will likely remain fantasy-friendly until it improves its defensive-front personnel. This week’s results against the Bears are worth watching.

Neither are T Ronnie Stanley (ankle) or CB Marlon Humphrey (calf) — Baltimore’s defense should at least feel a little more NFL-quality than they were last week against the Texans. The Roquan Smith-shaped hole at linebacker will be a challenge to overcome. Hamilton, Humphrey, and Stanley each wound up missing just one game with their respective injuries.

Awuzie is now on the wrong side of questionable. CB Marlon Humphrey’s calf injury and S Kyle Hamilton’s groin injury are evidently progressing, though. Hamilton’s full participation puts him firmly on track to play in Week 6 against the Rams. The Ravens have been a fantasy-friendly unit thus far. Improved health would go a long way toward reversing course. LB Roquan Smith (hamstring) also remains sidelined.

Linebacker Roquan Smith and fellow corner Chidobe Awuzie both missed Wednesday’s practice with hamstring injuries. With Lamar Jackson unlikely to play this week, the Ravens may ultimately choose to sit the bulk of their injured players for a likely loss to the Rams on Sunday. They then get their bye week, allowing them to return close to full strength for Week 8 versus the Bears.

The good news on the defensive side of the ball ends there. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton (groin) was downgraded to a non-participant after a limited session on Wednesday. Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (calf) and LB Roquan Smith (hamstring) remained sidelined. The Ravens’ injury-depleted defense will have a difficult time containing the Texans this weekend.