Injury Overview for the Ravens vs. Texans Game

In every NFL game, injuries are a crucial factor that can significantly affect the outcome of the game. Both the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans come into Week 16 with a range of injuries that could influence their roster decisions. Both teams have their strengths, but injuries—whether to key players or role players—can shift the balance of the game in unexpected ways.

Baltimore Ravens Injury Report

The Ravens, led by head coach John Harbaugh, are known for their strong defense and explosive offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, the health of certain players—particularly on the defensive side of the ball—could have a major impact in this game.

1. Lamar Jackson (Quarterback)
   • Injury Status: Questionable (Knee)
   • Jackson has been dealing with knee issues throughout the 2024 season, missing a couple of games earlier in the year. If Jackson is unable to go, veteran backup Tyler Huntley would be the starter. Huntley has filled in admirably when Jackson has been sidelined, but he does not provide the same dynamic playmaking ability that Jackson does. Jackson’s ability to scramble and make plays with his legs is a critical part of the Ravens’ offensive identity.
   • Impact: If Jackson plays, the Ravens’ offense remains unpredictable and potent. If Huntley plays, the Ravens will likely lean more heavily on the running game and rely on Huntley’s ability to manage the game.
2. Mark Andrews (Tight End)
   • Injury Status: Questionable (Ankle)
   • Andrews has been a reliable target for Jackson all season long. His ability to catch passes over the middle of the field and act as a security blanket for Jackson is crucial for the Ravens’ success. If Andrews is unable to go, the Ravens would likely rely on other tight ends like Isaiah Likely and a combination of wide receivers to make up for the loss of their top pass-catching threat.
   • Impact: Andrews’ absence could significantly hamper the passing game, and the Ravens would need to adjust by using more of a run-heavy offense or leaning on their wide receivers more.
3. J.K. Dobbins (Running Back)
   • Injury Status: Out (Achilles)
   • Dobbins has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career, and his Achilles injury has kept him out for most of the season. The Ravens will continue to rely on Gus Edwards and Justice Hill to handle the rushing duties. Edwards has shown flashes of being a capable back, but he doesn’t offer the same explosive ability that Dobbins provides.
   • Impact: Dobbins’ absence means the Ravens will likely lean more heavily on a committee of backs, though Edwards can still be a workhorse.
4. Marlon Humphrey (Cornerback)
   • Injury Status: Probable (Foot)
   • Humphrey is a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense, known for his ability to lock down top receivers. A foot injury has limited his time this season, but he has played through it and is expected to suit up. If he plays, he will likely be tasked with covering one of the Texans’ top receiving threats, whether it’s Nico Collins or Tank Dell.
   • Impact: Humphrey’s presence gives the Ravens’ defense a major advantage in coverage, especially in the secondary. His ability to shut down receivers helps the Ravens’ defense create turnovers and limit explosive plays.
5. Roquan Smith (Linebacker)
   • Injury Status: Probable (Thigh)
   • Smith is the Ravens’ defensive leader and has been a key part of their defense since his arrival. If healthy, Smith will likely be tasked with handling the Texans’ running game and providing coverage on tight ends or running backs in the passing game. Smith is one of the best linebackers in the NFL and is key to the Ravens’ success in stopping the run.
   • Impact: Smith’s presence helps control the middle of the field, and if he plays, the Ravens will have a strong defensive presence against the Texans’ offense.
6. Odafe Oweh (Edge Rusher)
   • Injury Status: Questionable (Shoulder)
   • Oweh has the potential to be a game-changer for the Ravens on the edge. His ability to get to the quarterback has been impressive this season, and with Houston’s offensive line sometimes struggling, Oweh could be a key factor in pressuring rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
   • Impact: If Oweh can play, it boosts the Ravens’ pass rush and helps them get pressure on Stroud, which is critical for stalling Houston’s offense.

Houston Texans Injury Report

On the other side of the field, the Houston Texans have exceeded expectations under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. They come into this game with some important injuries that could affect their playoff push.

1. C.J. Stroud (Quarterback)
   • Injury Status: Probable (Shoulder)
   • Stroud has been one of the best rookies this season, leading the Texans’ offense with poise and accuracy. However, a shoulder injury could limit his throwing ability. If Stroud is less than 100%, it could affect his accuracy and arm strength, especially when attempting deep throws or quick passes.
   • Impact: A limited Stroud would be a blow to the Texans’ offense. If he struggles, they may lean more on the running game and short throws. However, Stroud has shown resilience throughout the year and could still perform well even with a slight injury.
2. Tank Dell (Wide Receiver)
   • Injury Status: Out (Concussion)
   • Dell has been one of Stroud’s favorite targets this season, offering speed and agility on the outside. His concussion injury has ruled him out for this game, which is a significant loss for the Texans. Dell’s ability to stretch the field will be missed.
   • Impact: Without Dell, Stroud will need to rely on other receivers, such as Nico Collins and Robert Woods. It could also lead to more usage of tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Dameon Pierce in the passing game to make up for the loss of Dell’s deep threat.
3. Dameon Pierce (Running Back)
   • Injury Status: Probable (Ankle)
   • Pierce has had a solid season for the Texans, though his production has fluctuated. The Texans’ running game could be a factor in this game, but Pierce’s ankle injury means that he may not be at full capacity. If Pierce cannot play or is limited, backup running backs Devin Singletary and Mike Boone would take on larger roles.
   • Impact: Pierce’s injury could force the Texans to throw the ball more often than they would like, which would place more pressure on Stroud to make plays.
4. Laremy Tunsil (Left Tackle)
   • Injury Status: Questionable (Knee)
   • Tunsil is one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL, and if he is unable to go or is limited, it would be a significant blow to the Texans’ offensive line. With the Ravens’ strong pass rush, including the likes of Odafe Oweh, not having Tunsil could lead to struggles in both the running game and protecting Stroud in the pocket.
   • Impact: The Texans would need to adjust their offensive line schemes, possibly adding extra blockers or calling quicker passing plays to mitigate the loss of Tunsil.
5. Derrick Stingley Jr. (Cornerback)
   • Injury Status: Out (Hamstring)
   • Stingley is one of the Texans’ best cornerbacks and a crucial piece of their defense. His hamstring injury has kept him sidelined, and his absence could leave the Texans vulnerable in pass coverage, especially against a quarterback like Lamar Jackson who can make plays down the field. With Stingley out, the Texans’ secondary will be under more pressure.
   • Impact: The absence of Stingley gives the Ravens’ wide receivers, like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, more opportunities to exploit the secondary. This puts even more pressure on the remaining cornerbacks to step up and perform.
6. Jalen Pitre (Safety)
   • Injury Status: Probable (Knee)
   • Pitre is an important safety for the Texans, providing both coverage and run support. If he plays, his ability to roam the field and help in coverage against tight ends or running backs would be crucial against the Ravens’ offense.
   • Impact: Pitre’s health will affect how well the Texans can defend against the Ravens’ offensive threats in the middle of the field. If he’s limited, the Texans may struggle to contain Lamar Jackson and his receivers.

Game Impact

Injuries on both sides will shape the game. The Ravens’ offense, led by Jackson, will be heavily dependent on the health of key players like Jackson, Andrews, and Dobbins. If Jackson is healthy, his ability to move the ball with his legs and arm will make it hard for the Texans’ defense to contain the Ravens. However, without Dobbins and potentially Andrews, the Ravens will likely lean more on Gus Edwards and their tight ends, which may limit their offensive diversity.

On the defensive side, if players like Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith can stay healthy, the Ravens’ defense should be strong enough to deal with the Texans’ offense, which will be more difficult without Tank Dell. For the Texans, the loss of Dell and the potential limited play of Stroud make it harder to execute their offensive game plan effectively. The health of their offensive line, particularly Laremy Tunsil, will also be a key factor in keeping Stroud upright against the Ravens’ pass rush.