As the Patriots prepare for a tough road test against the Ravens this Sunday, their defense is suddenly looking dangerously thin. Thursday’s injury report offered little in the way of optimism for New England, with several key defenders missing their second straight practice-a troubling sign with kickoff just days away.
Let’s start with the absences that could shake up the Patriots’ game plan the most. Outside linebacker Harold Landry, cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones, and inside linebacker Robert Spillane were all sidelined again on Thursday.
That’s not just one or two role players-we’re talking about core contributors across multiple levels of the defense. If they miss Friday’s session as well, the odds of them suiting up in Baltimore drop significantly.
For a Patriots defense that’s already been stretched thin at times this season, losing that much talent at once would be a serious blow. Landry is a disruptive presence off the edge, capable of changing a game with a single pressure or sack. Spillane brings toughness and leadership to the middle of the field, while Davis and Jones are vital to a secondary that’s going to be tested by Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability and Baltimore’s improving receiving corps.
There was a bit of encouraging news, though. Inside linebacker Christian Elliss, who’s been battling an illness, returned to limited participation.
That’s a step in the right direction and could give New England some much-needed depth in the middle of the field. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, meanwhile, was upgraded to full participation after being limited earlier in the week.
His presence up front will be key if the Patriots hope to contain Jackson and the Ravens’ ground game.
Speaking of Jackson, the former MVP was back on the practice field Thursday after sitting out Wednesday due to illness. He was a full participant, which all but assures he’ll be under center Sunday. That’s obviously huge for the Ravens, who rely heavily on Jackson’s ability to extend plays and create magic outside the pocket.
Baltimore did have a few notable names pop up on the injury report. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy were both limited with lower-body issues. Stanley is a crucial part of keeping Jackson upright, while Van Noy has been a steady veteran presence in the Ravens’ front seven.
Elsewhere, wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers were full participants, which is good news for Baltimore’s passing game. Flowers, in particular, has emerged as a dynamic weapon and could be a serious matchup problem if the Patriots are short-handed in the secondary.
Here’s a full breakdown of Thursday’s injury report for both teams:
Patriots
Did Not Participate:
- OLB Harold Landry (Knee)
- LB Robert Spillane (Ankle)
- CB Carlton Davis (Hip)
- CB Marcus Jones (Knee)
Limited Participation:
- LB Christian Elliss (Illness)
Full Participation:
- DL Christian Barmore (Not injury related)
Ravens
Did Not Participate:
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (Foot)
- LB Teddye Buchanan (Knee)
- DT John Jenkins (Illness)
Limited Participation:
- LB Jay Higgins IV (Knee)
- C Tyler Linderbaum (Knee)
- T Ronnie Stanley (Knee/Ankle)
- OLB Kyle Van Noy (Quad)
Full Participation:
- WR Rashod Bateman (Ankle)
- WR Zay Flowers (Neck)
- S Keondre Jackson (Ankle)
- LB Roquan Smith (Knee)
- DT C.J.
Okoye (Quad)
- QB Lamar Jackson (Illness)
With both teams dealing with their fair share of bumps and bruises, the injury situation could play a major role in how this matchup unfolds. For New England, the focus now shifts to Friday’s practice-arguably the most telling day of the week. If Landry, Davis, Jones, and Spillane remain out, the Patriots may be forced to get creative with their defensive alignments against one of the league’s most unpredictable offenses.
Sunday in Baltimore is shaping up to be a physical, high-stakes battle. And as always in December, health-or lack of it-could be the X-factor.