Ravens Suddenly Face A Defensive Concern Before Jaguars Showdown

The Ravens face a daunting challenge against the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football as they contend with multiple key injuries, including the unexpected loss of defensive back Nate Wiggins.

The Ravens will be short a key piece on Thursday night, with cornerback Nate Wiggins ruled inactive for Baltimore’s Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium.

Wiggins was a surprising name on the inactive list after being added late to the injury report. According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, he is dealing with an “illness/stinger,” which kept him out for the game against Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville.

Baltimore also listed wide receiver Elijah Stewart, safety Jaylin Hawkins, guard Emery Jones, defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles, and quarterback Kedon Slovis as unavailable for the contest.

The absence is especially notable because Wiggins had been a full participant in the first two days of practice this week. He then missed Wednesday’s session, a move that raised questions about whether he would be able to go on Thursday night.

Now the Ravens have to handle one of the league’s more productive offenses without him. Jacksonville comes in fifth in the NFL in scoring at 28.0 points per game and 16th in passing offense at 227.4 yards per game.

Wiggins has played in eight games this season and has recorded four passes defended and 24 combined tackles in his third NFL campaign.

His absence gives Baltimore another problem on a night when the team is already working around injuries to key players, including its top two quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.

The Ravens drafted Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year, $12.81 million contract.

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