Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy is sidelined again due to hamstring and neck injuries as Baltimore wraps up preparations for their game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Van Noy has not participated in practice this week and will miss his second consecutive game. Despite this, he has a strong track record of durability, having missed only seven games in the past seven seasons, none of them with the Ravens.
Van Noy has been a key contributor to Baltimore’s defense, tied with outside linebacker Odafe Oweh for the team lead with eight sacks. However, with Van Noy out, the Ravens will need to adjust their pass-rush strategy. Other key defensive players, such as defensive tackles Travis Jones and Broderick Washington, are returning to practice after missing time on Thanksgiving due to injuries.
Aside from Van Noy, the Ravens are also without cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) and tight end Charlie Kolar (arm), both of whom are injured. On a more positive note, linebacker Roquan Smith, who missed Monday’s game against the Chargers due to a hamstring injury, has practiced all week and is expected to play. Additionally, defensive tackle Michael Pierce (calf) and cornerback T.J. Tampa (ankle) are both practicing, though it remains uncertain whether they will be activated to the 53-man roster.
In contrast to Baltimore’s injury report, the Eagles are dealing with more uncertainties regarding their roster. Starting cornerback Darius Slay is still sidelined with a concussion, while wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who is nursing a hamstring injury, returned to limited practice on Thursday. Slay has missed the entire week of practice, leaving his status for the game up in the air.
As both teams approach their matchup, injuries will play a significant role in shaping the game. While the Ravens are missing some key players, including Van Noy, they are getting reinforcements in other areas, particularly with Smith’s return to practice. Meanwhile, the Eagles will need to monitor the availability of Slay and Smith to ensure their key players are ready for the game.
