Isaiah Likely and Marlon Humphrey Take the Field: What to Know About Defensive Starters Sitting Out

Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is back to practice after recovering from a broken foot he suffered at training camp. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey has also returned, which is great news for the team as they gear up to face the Detroit Lions on “Monday Night Football” at M&T Bank Stadium.

However, not all the news is positive. Three defensive starters missed practice on Thursday. Cornerback Nate Wiggins is dealing with a groin issue, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy is out due to a hamstring injury, and defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is sidelined with a neck injury. Fullback Patrick Ricard is also still recovering from a calf injury.

Head Coach John Harbaugh mentioned on Monday that Wiggins is “generally OK,” and he hopes to see him practicing again soon. Van Noy’s situation is concerning, as his hamstring injury could keep him out for several games. Madubuike, a standout in the defense with two sacks, missed practice last week due to an ankle injury but is also feeling the effects of this new neck issue.

Likely’s recovery is particularly encouraging. He started running routes and participating in individual drills again. When asked about his return during a recent interview on WJZ’s Purple Playbook, he expressed his excitement, saying, “Very soon.”

Humphrey, who couldn’t play in the last game against the Browns, was a full participant in practice this week. His performance will be crucial against the Lions, who have a dynamic group of wide receivers.

In addition to this, backup running back Rasheen Ali was seen in a non-contact jersey after sustaining a concussion. Veteran nose tackle John Jenkins missed Thursday’s practice for personal reasons. Keeping track of player health is vital, especially as the Ravens prepare for a challenging matchup this week.

A recent report from the NFL Injury Analytics shows that injuries among players tend to spike around mid-season, leading to even higher stakes for teams as they juggle their lineups. As teams like the Ravens keep evolving, maintaining player health remains a key to success.

In the world of football, it’s not just about talent. Teams like the Ravens rely on a solid strategy and depth in their roster to weather the ups and downs of injuries. So as the Ravens take on the Lions, all eyes will be on the field to see how well their lineup holds up.

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