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The Ravens outlasted the Browns, 23-16, on Sunday in Cleveland to improve to 5-5 on the season. Follow along here for live postgame coverage and analysis. View the full article

The Ravens could be without one of their top pass rushers for Sunday’s crucial AFC North showdown against the Browns in Cleveland. Outside linebacker Mike Green was listed as questionable Friday with an ankle injury. He suffered the injury during Thursday’s practice and was seen walking gingerly through the locker room each of the past two days, though he appeared to be moving better on Friday. If Green, who has 1 1/2 sacks over the past three games and has come on strong in recent weeks as both a pass rusher and edge defender against the run, can’t play, that would leave Baltimore a little thin at the position. The only other outside linebackers on the roster are veteran Kyle Van Noy and fourth-year player David Ojabo. The Ravens (4-5) also have recently acquired defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, who has the size to play on the interior of the defensive line but has also played on the edge. They also could look to elevate veteran outside linebacker Carl Lawson from the practice squad Saturday in what would be his first action for Baltimore since signing last month. Four players the Ravens definitely won’t have are running back Justice Hill (toe), wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (finger) and linebacker Jay Higgins IV (knee), all of whom were officially ruled out Friday. Higgins could also be headed to injured reserve this week. With Bateman out, second-year receiver Devontez Walker should see an increased role, coach John Harbaugh said Friday. Humphrey’s absence likewise means an increase in snaps for cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed Wednesday’s practice because of knee soreness, does not have an injury designation and will start Sunday as expected. Cleveland (2-7) will be without defensive end Alex Wight (quad). Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (oblique) is listed as questionable. Cornerback Denzel Ward missed Friday’s practice because of an illness, but is expected to play. The Ravens, who are a game back of the division leading Pittsburgh Steelers, are looking for their fourth straight win and their first season sweep of the Browns since 2020. They won the first matchup in Week 2 in Baltimore, 41-17. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Ravens’ Ar’Darius Washington eyeing return from torn Achilles ‘soon’ Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY View the full article

Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington, the spark plug who helped turn around Baltimore’s porous defense 10 weeks into last season, is trending toward an imminent return. Washington suffered a torn Achilles tendon during offseason conditioning in May. On Friday, he was seen partaking in an individual workout with team trainers on a side field — his first time running around on grass since the injury. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that “reports have been really positive” throughout Washington’s rehab. “He’s moving around really well,” Harbaugh said. “He feels good.” Washington, who has spent all season on the physically unable to perform list, has not been cleared to practice yet, but Harbaugh indicated that he’s “getting close to that point.” Washington appeared in good spirits in the locker room after Friday’s practice. The 2020 undrafted free agent out of TCU stepped into a starting safety role beside Kyle Hamilton last year when team decision makers benched Marcus Williams, a $70 million free agent signing who had struggled mightily. Washington was, in many ways, considered the defense’s savior. In 17 games, the 5-foot-8 playmaker logged a pair of interceptions, 64 tackles, a key forced fumble at the goal line versus Pittsburgh, and a sack against Tampa Bay. Injecting Washington into a full-time role helped uplift Baltimore from one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses to one of the league’s best over the final third of the season. Washington’s injury occurred about one month after the Ravens drafted another safety in Malaki Starks. The rookie has admirably stepped into a starting role, having turned a corner since the bye week by recording an interception and pass deflection each of the past two weeks. Starks said that the game is slowing down for him to the point he can “fly around and get to the ball.” Baltimore’s secondary has also benefited from an early October trade that brought in veteran safety Alohi Gilman. That deal was finalized while Hamilton was on the shelf with a brief groin injury. The success of Starks and Gilman has allowed defensive coordinator Zach Orr to push Hamilton down into the box, unlocking what has been the Ravens’ most effective scheme this season. Harbaugh had this to say after drafting Starks, before Washington’s injury: “The good news is the offense isn’t going to know who’s going to be back there on any given play. They’re not going to be able to line up and say, ‘OK, Kyle’s going to be deep,’ or even, ‘Ar’Darius is going to be deep.’ … That’s pretty exciting.” Washington told his coach in late May that he’d be back by November. Harbaugh said at the time that he was counting on November or December. So, Harbaugh said Friday, “hopefully soon, he’ll be out there practicing.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Related Articles Ravens could be without one of their top defensive players vs. Browns Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 11 game between the Ravens and Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 23, Browns 16: Baltimore has lost three of its past four trips to Cleveland, hasn’t swept the Browns since 2020, and divisional opponents, no matter how much they’re struggling, almost always seem to be a problem. Still, the Ravens have enough firepower on offense between Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely to give the Browns’ stout defense too much to eventually handle. Baltimore’s defense is also ascending with eight turnovers over the past four games and that’s a bad sign for Dillion Gabriel, who should the feel the wrath of a team that knows how to mess with rookie quarterbacks. No doubt Cleveland will try to lean on its defense and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, but even without receiver Rashod Bateman and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore has enough juice to put this one away. Sam Cohn, reporter Ravens 28, Browns 20: These games are always weird. Neither side has swept the season series since 2020 and “it’s never really a blowout,” fullback Patrick Ricard said. The weather is almost certain to play a factor. But based on the antiparallel trend of both teams — Baltimore on a three-game heater and Cleveland unraveling behind a putrid rookie quarterback with the fewest yards per attempt in the NFL (5.0) — expect the Ravens to buck the trend in a close one. Jackson can still pick apart their secondary (in short-to-intermediate throws if the weather negates the long ball), like he did in Week 2. And Baltimore’s defense has turned a corner in forcing turnovers. Playing without Marlon Humphrey or Rashod Bateman hurts, but won’t decide the outcome. If this wasn’t a road divisional matchup, Sunday might have been a field day for the Ravens. They’ll still eke out a win and get to .500. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 24, Browns 6: The Browns have the No. 31 ranked offense in the NFL and are averaging only 168 passing yards per game. Cleveland will start rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback and the Ravens will confuse him with different looks and approaches and threaten him with an assortment of blitzes. This will be the second straight week in which the Ravens face an inexperienced quarterback, and he will struggle. This game will follow the usual script: The Browns will play outstanding defense for a half and then they will wither away from being frustrated by their offense, which can do absolutely nothing. The only way this game is close is because the teams compete in the AFC North and they know each other well. The Ravens, though, have a sense of urgency and the Browns have no sense at all, which is why they struggle from the front office down to the field. Josh Tolentino, columnist Ravens 31, Browns 24: This game has all the makings of another gusty, grind-it-out AFC North battle. After a short stint of clean health, Baltimore’s injury list is growing again. It’s not as overwhelming as it was earlier in the season, but a key absence like veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey is bound to test the team’s depth again. The formula for extending Baltimore’s three-game winning streak starts with the defense, which has produced seven takeaways during this turnaround stretch. That surge must continue against a Dillon Gabriel-led offense prone to mistakes. Offensively, the Ravens need to find a groove early and avoid asking Lamar Jackson to shoulder everything against Cleveland’s pressure-heavy defense headlined by star Myles Garrett. Tailback Derrick Henry finished with his season-low rushing total against Cleveland in Week 2. Establishing the run and staying out of long critical downs will be paramount for the visitors. The Ravens might be heavily favored, but the final leg of their three straight road games could be a slugfest. With Jackson returning to practice, Baltimore should have just enough to deliver the necessary knockout blows. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 20, Browns 13: This feels like one of those AFC North games the Ravens have inexplicably lost in recent years, but the level of focus shouldn’t be in question this time. Baltimore has almost no margin for error, and a division loss could be crushing if the race against Pittsburgh comes down to the wire. All signs point to the Ravens taking care of business behind a rejuvenated defense, but their offense will be worth watching. Lamar Jackson says that he feels good, but we’ll see how that knee holds up against Myles Garrett. If Derrick Henry can’t get going and the Browns’ secondary blankets Zay Flowers, all of the sudden there’s a lot of pressure on Jackson to work his magic. He can win this game by himself, but for the Ravens’ sake, hopefully he doesn’t have to. Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Lamar Jackson delivers on promise to run less and throw more Mike Preston: Ravens are still Super Bowl contenders in lackluster NFL | COMMENTARY Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 30, Browns 10: The Ravens should be 6-5 going into their prime-time Thanksgiving game vs. Cincinnati. The Browns and Jets are two of the NFL’s worst, and Baltimore beat Cleveland, 41-17, in Week 2. Dillon Gabriel has struggled as a rookie quarterback — count me in the group of people curious to watch Shedeur Sanders instead — and the Ravens’ defense has forced three turnovers in consecutive games. Even with Lamar Jackson banged up, it’s hard to see this one coming down to the wire. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 21, Browns 10: Lamar Jackson had an injury scare this week, missing practice Wednesday because of knee soreness, but he appears to be good to go. And he better be against a Browns team that still can play some defense. Offensively? Yikes. This could be a field day for Baltimore’s defense, which is hitting its stride but will be without Marlon Humphrey. Fortunately for the Ravens, the Browns don’t have anybody to throw the ball to. Baltimore should be back to .500 Sunday night, and with the Jets looming the following week, they should take a five-game winning streak into a Thanksgiving showdown with a potentially healthy Joe Burrow and the Bengals looming. A fun final stretch awaits. Patrice Sanders, FOX45 Morning News anchor Ravens 31, Browns 17: The Ravens are looking better and better each week. They’ve won three straight games, and I think they can keep that streak going into this week. Division games are always a challenge, but the Browns just lost to the Jets, and they can’t seem to get out of quarterback turmoil, so I’m counting on Baltimore to get the best of them. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article

Now riding a three-game win streak, the Ravens (4-5) are within striking distance of .500. They’ll head to Cleveland this weekend for a divisional matchup against the lowly Browns (2-7), who they beat up Week 2 amidst the worst stretch of Baltimore’s season. Who will have the advantage this time around? Ravens passing game vs. Browns pass defense Here’s four words that every Ravens fan needs to hear for sake of their sanity: Lamar Jackson is fine. Jackson missed one practice with lingering knee soreness that bothered him after the win in Minnesota. But he’s good to go. Coming off one of his best career outings against a team that blitzed him relentlessly while arriving to the postgame locker room noticeably unsatisfied is a lethal recipe versus the same defense he pummeled for four touchdowns two months ago. Jackson has thrown five touchdowns in his two games since returning from injury and said Thursday, “If anything, we need more points.” He’ll have to do so without wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who suffered an ankle sprain in Minnesota. Cleveland’s defense won’t roll over. The Browns are second in the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed per game. Much of that starts up front with an elite pass rush that has helped force opposing quarterbacks into eight interceptions this year. It’s a solid defense against a high-ceiling offense in potentially crummy weather. But offensive coordinator Todd Monken didn’t have much trouble in Week 2. With enough creativity, retaking the test shouldn’t be much different. EDGE: Ravens Browns passing game vs. Ravens pass defense A 40-year-old Joe Flacco was the Browns’ quarterback when these two teams met in Week 2. Shortly after, Cleveland traded Flacco to Cincinnati and promoted third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel. By most metrics, he ranks terribly. So much so that coach Kevin Stefanski is constantly peppered with questions about when a quarterback change may be imminent, either pivoting to rookie Shedeur Sanders or Bailey Zappe, who’s currently on the practice squad. None of them seem well-equipped to handle a resurgent Ravens defense, which has forced eight turnovers in their past four games. The Ravens also registered a dozen quarterback hits against Minnesota, their new single-game high this season. Pass rush has been a point of contention as Baltimore’s defense was searching for stability. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr said they’ve built in different looks since the bye week but last Sunday showcased “the best get-offs that we had when in true pass rush situations” this season. EDGE: Ravens Ravens running game vs. Browns run defense Baltimores’ worst rushing performance of the season came in Week 2. Cleveland’s defensive front stifled a healthy Ravens ground game. They totaled 45 yards on 21 carries and never found the end zone. They averaged 2.1 yards per attempt, one of just two times a defense has held them below at least four yards per carry this season. The Browns rank second in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per play (3.60). They’re also one of 10 teams to average under 100 yards allowed per game. “They are a disruptive front. They’re a really, really good defense,” running back Derrick Henry said. “They do a lot of different stunts and do the stunts well. They got Myles Garrett. I think they’re just a solid group, overall. … We know it’s going to be tough. Their defense is solid from top to bottom.” EDGE: Browns Browns running game vs. Ravens run defense Like many of the positional matchups in this game, the Browns and Ravens trending arrows are pointed in opposite directions. Cleveland picked up 76 yards on the ground versus New York; 75 of them came courtesy of Quinshon Judkins’ 22 carries. Judkins went for 61 on 10 last time he saw the Ravens. He’s topped 100 yards only once this season. That backfield is dreadful otherwise. And Baltimore’s run defense, which once ranked in the NFL’s mineshaft, has restricted three of their past four opponents to under 100 total rushing yards. EDGE: Ravens Ravens special teams vs. Browns special teams The Browns aren’t good. The Jets aren’t much better. But Cleveland lost that Toilet Bowl by and large because of its special teams unit. Film analyst Lance Reisland, a longtime high school coach now picking apart the Browns, had this to say: “On the kickoff return, people are out of their lanes. Then you go back and watch the punt return, it’s even worse. There’s five or six guys within two yards of each other. So there’s no spacing.” New York scored 14 of 27 points on special teams. Kene Nwangwu housed a kickoff 99 yards. Less than a minute later, Isaiah Williams returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown. Browns safety Grant Delpit called it “unacceptable.” Baltimore, meanwhile, is having a special teams renaissance after an uncharacteristic down year last season. The rookie kicker is booting the ball well enough that nobody is talking about him. The punter is fielding questions about his career year. And an undrafted rookie forced a game-changing fumble in Minnesota. EDGE: Ravens Ravens intangibles vs. Browns intangibles The upswing Ravens are like the heavyweight fighter entering the ring amidst flashing lights and loud drums with a posse by his side. These Browns are standing in the same ring like they barely made weight. Only issue is that ring is in Cleveland. “It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be rainy. It’s going to be windy. It’s going to be on the shores of Lake Erie,” Harbaugh said, like he was setting the scene for a Northeast Ohio murder-mystery thriller. “We’re used to this; this is Cleveland, and this is how these games go.” Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Lamar Jackson delivers on promise to run less and throw more Mike Preston: Ravens are still Super Bowl contenders in lackluster NFL | COMMENTARY Baltimore and Cleveland have split every season series dating to 2020. Every year, no matter how talented or incompetent, this AFC North matchup finds a way to get weird. EDGE: Browns Prediction These games are always weird. Neither side has swept the season series since 2020. “It’s never really a blowout,” fullback Patrick Ricard said. And the weather is almost certain to play a factor. But based on the antiparallel trend of both teams — Baltimore on a three-game heater and Cleveland unraveling behind a putrid rookie quarterback with the fewest yards per throw in the NFL — expect the Ravens to buck the trend in a close one. Jackson can still pick apart their secondary (in short-to-intermediate throws if the weather negates the long ball). And Baltimore’s defense has turned a corner in forcing turnovers. If it wasn’t a road divisional matchup, Sunday might have been a field day for the Ravens. They’ll still eek out a win and get to .500 on the year. Ravens 28, Browns 20 Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

When Kyle Hamilton was asked at his locker what position he would say that he plays, he sounded like a man trying to be persuasive if not convincing himself. “Safety,” he said. “I would say safety. I was drafted as a safety. It says safety on the roster, probably. Safety.” The Ravens’ defensive star is not really, even if the roster says so. Slot defender, enforcer in the box, pass rusher. All are applicable. “He’s probably the most position-less player in the NFL,” teammate and veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. “If you lined him up at nose guard he would find ways to make plays. “He’s really amazing at playing football. As simple as that is, it’s a big thing — the way he moves, the way he understands blocks, the way he understands how teams attack our defense, understanding his assignment but being able to play freelance when he has to too. He’s one of one.” He’s not the only one, though, who has helped spark a turnaround for what over the first month of the season was the worst defense in the NFL. Over the past four games, the Ravens have allowed a scant 14.5 points per game and forced eight turnovers, both third-best in the league during that span. In Sunday’s win over the Vikings in Minnesota, they also racked up 12 quarterback hits and 13 pass breakups. Hamilton, who was moved from safety to primarily a box/slot role, has unquestionably been the biggest key and force multiplier, but defensive tackle Travis Jones, rookie outside linebacker Mike Green and turnovers have all played a significant part, too. Still, it starts with Hamilton and his constant creeping up to the line of scrimmage, which has unlocked a variety of options for the defense and coordinator Zach Orr. “It allows us to just play with some looks; we don’t have to worry about swapping personnels on and off the field,” Hamilton said of his move from the back end, where he played almost all of his snaps the first four weeks of the season. “I feel like that’s a big thing. With this league now, it’s a lot of different personnels. … I think we have the flexibility as a defense to line up and play ourselves and dictate the game.” Moving him around the field had a similar impact last year, too. After being one of the worst defenses in the league through the first half of the season, Baltimore shifted Hamilton to more of a deep safety role beginning in Week 11. The Ravens went from allowing 5.7 yards per play to 4.39 and shaved off nearly 2 yards per pass attempt as well. After ranking 13th in defensive defense-adjusted value over average the first half of the season, the Ravens were second over the second half. Moving him toward the line of scrimmage after trading for safety Alohi Gilman to pair with first-round rookie Malaki Starks has had a similar effect this season, but others have contributed as well. Jones, who was hampered by an ankle injury earlier in the season, has been healthy of late and wreaking havoc. His 21 pressures, including six this past Sunday, per Pro Football Focus, lead the team by a wide margin and his four quarterback hits and four tackles for loss are already as many as he had all of last season. He also has two pass breakups, which is just one shy of what he had for his career. Green and inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan, a fellow rookie, have started to find their footing as well. Ravens inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan pressures Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in October. Buchanan has steadily improved this season, according to Pro Football Focus grades. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) After Green, a second-round pick out of Marshall, went without a sack in his first six games, he has registered 1 1/2 over his past three. He has also caused problems in other ways, including against the Vikings when he tweaked his rush to collide with and alter the route of receiver Justin Jefferson, who was lined up in the backfield, resulting in just a 3-yard scramble from quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Green finished the game with four pressures, second-most on the team. Buchanan, meanwhile, has seen a steady improvement in his defensive PFF marks even while playing slightly fewer snaps after being forced into a bigger role when Roquan Smith suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and missed the next two games. “[The game] definitely has slowed down a lot,” Buchanan said. “It’s been a combination of me understanding our defense and then understanding an NFL blueprint and how teams try to attack you. “I’m feeling a lot more comfortable. Even as a team, we’re in a very different spot. We have our pieces together and we’re starting to get an identity as a defense and we’re really playing together. It’s night and day.” The same is true for Starks, who has had an interception in each of his past two games. “I’m just not out there thinking [as much],” he said. “The call comes in, I’m communicating, and I don’t have to think as much about where I’m supposed to be and how I’m supposed to be there. I can just be there and fly around and get to the ball.” Still, in the sanguine words of veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the defense has turned a “page” but not a corner, a sentiment Van Noy agrees with. The Ravens’ 12 sacks are tied for last with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Sn Francisco 49ers. Their pass rush win rate of 34%, per ESPN analytics, ranks just 24th. And they’ve allowed a touchdown or field goal on an opponent’s opening drive in seven of nine games. But they have also made adjustments. Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Lamar Jackson delivers on promise to run less and throw more Mike Preston: Ravens are still Super Bowl contenders in lackluster NFL | COMMENTARY Over the past two games, Baltimore has held opponents without a third-down conversion in the second half. Over its past three games, it allowed just two. Last week, the Vikings were held to just 3 of 14 on third down and 2 of 5 on fourth down for the game. Turnovers and batted balls have played no small part, too, as has “marrying up” the coverage and pass rush, Van Noy said. “What we’ve been able to build with our different looks since the bye week has helped us out,” Orr said of Sunday’s performance against the Vikings. “We’re able to present different challenges to the offense, and guys were just relentless with their rushes. We were able to throw a lot of different bodies at them, whether it was pressure with DBs or off-ball linebackers or the front four winning. It was good to see, and a lot of guys had really good games.” Perhaps no one more than Hamilton, as is often the case from whatever position he’s deployed to play. “He’s a really good player, one of the best in the game regardless of position and there are a lot of people who are talented who are the best at their position, but they only can play one position,” Orr said. “Kyle can play all across the defensive backfield for us, on the edge, at the second level at the linebacker position for us, and [it] allows us to do a lot of different things with him, because we know offenses have to know where No. 14 is at all times.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens are heavy favorites this weekend. The opening line of 9 1/2 points in favor of Baltimore over Cleveland suggested as much. But nothing about this matchup or Huntington Bank Field in downtown Cleveland comes easy for the Ravens. Baltimore hasn’t swept the Browns in the regular season since 2020. Cleveland owns an underwhelming 31-47 record with zero playoff wins in that span, bouncing through quarterbacks like a ball in a roulette spinner, yet the Browns have still found ways to make life difficult for the visiting Ravens. Just last October, the Ravens carried a 5-2 record into Cleveland, but the 1-6 Browns pulled off a gutsy upset, 29-24, to notch their second win of the season. With the Ravens now aiming to extend their season-long winning streak to four — a win Sunday also would pull them back to .500 — now is not the time to get complacent. The Ravens are 12-5 in Cleveland under veteran coach John Harbaugh, although the Browns have won three of the past four meetings at home. Count quarterback Lamar Jackson fully aware of what’s at stake in the Week 11 divisional matchup. “We still feel like we’re 1-5,” Jackson said. “We can’t get complacent.” The Ravens already carry the scars from their struggles earlier this season. The team’s sense of urgency has been palpable in recent weeks, but as the line of underwhelming opponents continues, the foot needs to remain on the pedal in Baltimore. Beyond Cleveland waits the stretch that will ultimately define their season — four AFC North games against the Bengals and Steelers over the final six weeks. But before they think of any of those divisional crown possibilities, the Ravens must punish a Browns team that has routinely caused disruption regardless of records or point spreads. A victory Sunday over the Browns would raise the Ravens’ playoff odds to 79%, according to the New York Times’ simulator. Harbaugh detailed his team’s next test: “The Cleveland Browns are really good. That defense is one of the best, if not the best defense going right now. They have multiple top-end players. … We just have the utmost respect for how they play. So, we have to be at our best.” The Ravens, coming off wins over Chicago, Miami and Minnesota, haven’t overcomplicated things in their recent surge. The defense is finally stacking takeaways (seven in the past three games), although the offense still needs sharper execution in the red zone and the pass rush needs to convert pressure into sacks at a higher rate. With safety Kyle Hamilton now lining up more frequently in the box, the defense and Hamilton’s length is causing chaos and rushed decisions on multiple fronts. That could spell trouble for Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel (58.6% completion rate, seven touchdowns, two interceptions). Like Cleveland, Baltimore’s rookie class is flashing more in recent weeks. First-round draft pick Malaki Starks has an interception in consecutive games, while outside linebacker Mike Green and linebacker Teddye Buchanan continue to progress in their individual developments. Even undrafted rookie safety Keondre Jackson has carved himself a niche as a premier special teams player. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton celebrates with safety Malaki Starks during Baltimore's 27-19 win in Minnesota. Starks has two interceptions in his past two games. (Stacy Bengs/AP) This typically is the time of year when rookies either fade or take meaningful steps, especially considering the regular season in college football concludes at the end of November. At the current moment, the Ravens’ rookies appear to be avoiding the proverbial wall. Baltimore’s takeaway surge is paired offensively with Jackson, who has thrown just one interception all season. Protecting the football will be key against Cleveland’s Jim Schwartz-led defense. “They’re very physical,” fullback Pat Ricard said. “They get up the field, they penetrate … you have to get on them right away.” When asked about whether he carries the emotions from last year’s upset at Cleveland, linebacker Roquan Smith dismissed the notion while noting this season’s disappointing start. He then provided a straight-forward formula to the defense’s mindset ahead of Sunday. “You’re going into someone else’s house, and you have to take what you want,” Smith said. “I think it’s as simple as that. They’re not going to give it to you by any means. They’re in the National Football League. They get paid a check just like we get paid a check. They have family, kids and everything to take care of as well and so do we. Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Ravens’ Lamar Jackson delivers on promise to run less and throw more Mike Preston: Ravens are still Super Bowl contenders in lackluster NFL | COMMENTARY “It’s about what you’re going to do between the lines. Games are not won on paper, they’re won between those lines.” Entering Week 11, the Ravens (4-5) sit a game behind Pittsburgh for first place in the division. They’ve played their way back into relevance, but history proves Cleveland hasn’t been the place where momentum travels without a fight. Will the heavy favorites be humbled again? The Ravens have steadied themselves after a shaky start. But in the AFC North, nothing comes easy. Sunday could be another reminder. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

When Lamar Jackson returned from injury in Week 9, his five rushes for a measly 14 yards raised some eyebrows. Despite one 13-yard scramble that coach John Harbaugh deemed the win’s “key play,” there was speculation Jackson’s recently healed hamstring held him back. Jackson vehemently disagreed. “The speculations and what I’m saying are totally different,” he said, days before doubling that rushing production in Minnesota. Even before the injury, on the way to a miserable 1-5 start, Jackson looked less inclined to decide a game by dazzling with his legs. Did he feel ready to run? “If I have to,” he said. Jackson, who built a career bound for Canton, Ohio, on his ability to tuck and run, is taking a new approach this year. He’s saving his legs for the long haul by winning games with his arm. “He’s getting a little older year by year and he just adds more years to his longevity,” Jackson’s close friend and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley told The Baltimore Sun. “He’s not relying on his legs to get him out of a lot of situations. He’s playing quarterback.” Jackson isn’t abandoning his ability to extend plays. His scramble rate — the percentage of impromptu rushing attempts versus designed runs — is higher now (42.9%) than it was in 2024 (34.5%), suggesting his willingness hasn’t wavered. But he’s had significantly fewer designed runs, averaging 2.4 fewer carries per game compared with last year. Most often, those numbers are a product of game planning against particular defenses, according to offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Jackson added Thursday that he doesn’t feel strongly about how those numbers bear out. “I don’t be worried as long as we win,” he said. Still, we’re seeing a tangible shift emerge from years-long discourse. In May 2019, while on a conference call with season-ticket holders, team owner Steve Bisciotti explained the organization’s intent to design fewer run plays for Jackson. Double-digit attempts in each of his seven starts as a rookie lugged Baltimore to its first playoff appearance in four years. Bisciotti wanted to relieve some of that pressure of having “11 eyes on Lamar,” he said at the time. That same sentiment resurfaced four years later. After having taken more hits than any other quarterback over the previous five years, the new direction under Monken provided a chance to scale back. Particularly “with the receivers we have,” Jackson said in 2023. The superstar quarterback expected, excitedly, “less running and more throwing.” Both forecasts fell flat. Jackson saw upticks in rushing figures and brought home a pair of NFL Most Valuable Player trophies to show for it. This fall might be the first time it’s materializing. The deep bank of pass catchers at Jackson’s disposal are his best in eight years, maybe even the best in franchise history. Still, inconsistencies along the offensive line have resulted in the highest sack percentage of Jackson’s career (10.91%). He’s been sacked at least once in every game. That’s why there were questions early in the year about whether Jackson was holding the ball too long. Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens are still Super Bowl contenders in lackluster NFL | COMMENTARY “We taper a line of, sometimes you hold onto the [ball], and ‘Oh my God, you made them all miss and made a play down the field,’ and, sometimes you get sacked,” quarterbacks coach Tee Martin said recently. “That happens to quarterbacks that play this style of football. So as a staff, at times, we have to put him in situations to be successful and allow them sometimes to save themselves from themselves, because he is that type of player.” Baltimore has also faced top-tier defenses that threw the kitchen sink at the quarterback. The Lions employed a spy to generate seven sacks. And Cleveland’s Myles Garrett is perhaps the best pass rusher of his generation. “When he has to run, he has to run,” tight end Isaiah Likely said, but the evolution of his arm talent allows Jackson to pick his spots. Like how Minnesota blitzed Jackson on 58% of his drop backs, the fifth-highest rate of his career, so the quarterback flicked the ball out shorter and quicker than ever. Jackson’s passer rating while under pressure (109.5) leads all quarterbacks in 2025, according to NFL analytics site The 33rd Team. “We live in so many different worlds on offense because of Lamar,” Harbaugh said. Last year, Jackson became the first player in NFL history to reach 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in the same season. He showed significant improvements in arm strength and accuracy. This year, Likely explained, the dip in rushing figures is Jackson not needing to be Superman all by himself. Jackson has unconditional trust in the rest of the Justice League and in himself to put the ball in the right spots. “I feel like that just helps him stay fresh,” Likely said. No more double-digit scrambles, like Jackson had Week 1 against Kansas City last season, barreling his shoulder into one Chiefs defender after another. Asked if that type of workload is sustainable, Jackson said at the time, “I’m not trying to find out.” He hasn’t scrambled more than five times in a single game since. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws a pass against the Dolphins in Week 9. After being a willing runner early in his career, Jackson now prefers to dissect defenses as a passer. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP) Fans yearn to see plays like Week 10 last year against the Bengals, when Jackson famously ran 58.1 yards to gain 10. Or his 48-yard touchdown on Christmas hitting a career top-speed of 21.25 mph, according to Next Gen Stats, and joked postgame that he was only “jogging.” This year’s magic manifests in different ways. Consider Pro Football Focus’ “elusive rating.” It’s a stat that measures the success and impact of a player running with the ball independent of his blockers by looking at how tough he is to bring down. Unsurprisingly, the slippery Zay Flowers has finished among Baltimore’s top-two most elusive playmakers since 2023, his rookie season. Jackson was a consistent force by that measure the past two seasons. PFF gave him a 31.2 elusive rating in 2023 and 32.6 in 2024. His marks after six games in each season stayed within a standard deviation of less than three. Based on PFF’s imperfect calculations, Jackson is about one-third as “elusive” as he has been the past two seasons. That’s not a product of his hamstring (his metrics didn’t change post-injury). It implies that he’s more calculated in when or how he’s taking off. Back in 2023, Jackson ventured to say, “I want to throw for like 6,000 yards with the weapons we have. … because no one has ever done it and I feel like we have the weapons to do it.” If not for his injury, this year, throwing the ball better than ever, might’ve been the time to do it. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The NFL has some spicy games this weekend — and it’s about time. The Los Angeles Rams host Seattle, Kansas City travels to Denver, Philadelphia hosts Detroit and Tampa Bay goes to Buffalo. The NFL season was starting to resemble the NBA, in which teams don’t play hard but then pick up the pace in a couple of months. There is proof. Did you tune in to that Broncos-Raiders game last Thursday night? How about the Eagles-Packers game, also on prime time, also ending with a 10-7 score? Yawn. These games could cure insomnia. The salary cap has created parity, even ugliness, when it comes to entertainment. There are no super teams in the NFL anymore. Both the Eagles and Chiefs have returned to normalcy, and all the teams mentioned above, except for the Raiders, are in contention. If you are a Ravens fan, there is room for optimism because of the soft schedule. They play the Cleveland Browns, the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals the next three weeks, and if the Ravens get hot and can get on a roll … Well, let’s not go crazy. There are other reasons the NFL appears average, variables that include the recent influx of young quarterbacks and the college football transfer portal’s impact. But it all starts with the salary cap, the X factor in maintaining parity. I prefer perfection, like the 1970s Steelers, who won four Super Bowls and had nine players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Years ago, star quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady took less money so their team could spend it elsewhere to provide a more balanced team. That’s no longer the case. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is making $60 million this season. Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Green Bay’s Jordan Love will each pocket about $55 million. If a team throws in a star receiver like the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase ($40 million) and a left tackle to protect the blind side, then that could be nearly $125 million per year. The problem is that we haven’t even gotten to the other side of the ball yet. Teams want a dominant pass rusher like Green Bay’s Micah Parsons or Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson, and that will cost another $45 million. And that’s not even including a top cornerback like Sauce Gardner ($30 million per year) or a Patrick Surtain II ($24 million). Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Lamar Jackson delivers on promise to run less and throw more The cap figure for the 2025 season is $279.2 million, an increase of $23.8 million from a year ago, but that’s why teams have decided to skew younger and cheaper at other positions. It’s also why NFL games can become so unattractive at times. A couple of years ago, the AFC North was the best division in football because all four teams were built on strong running games and defenses. Instead, once Burrow led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021, the Ravens borrowed a page from their playbook and built the roster around quarterback Lamar Jackson. That hasn’t resulted in a Super Bowl appearance yet, but the defensive units in both Pittsburgh and Baltimore have fallen off, and while Cleveland’s remains strong, the Browns have no offense. The Bengals are defenseless. Talking to several former general managers and coaches, they also point out that six of the quarterbacks taken in the first round the past two years are starting — Chicago’s Caleb Williams, Washington’s Jayden Daniels, Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr., Denver’s Bo Nix, Tennessee’s Cam Ward and the New York Giants’ Jaxson Dart. That’s part of the chaos you might see on any given Sunday. In the past, young quarterbacks were given two to three years to learn from a veteran, but not anymore. It’s called on-the-job training. NFL owners lack patience, too. New England fired Jerod Mayo and the Raiders terminated Antonio Pierce after only one season, and Tennessee got rid of Brian Callahan six games into his second season. Rebuilding a team used to take three to four years, but not in the NFL, which means “Not For Long” for both players and coaches. And if a coach brings in a journeyman quarterback like Geno Smith or Tyrod Taylor, he might as well pack his bags. It’s done. Finished. Goodbye. Quarterback Dak Prescott, right, is eating up a large portion of the Cowboys' salary cap this season. (Jeffrey McWhorter/AP) A few years ago, a former Ravens defensive coordinator explained the impact of the college game. He talked about how teams were throwing the ball more in college, how NFL coaches had to teach offensive linemen to get into a three-point stance as opposed to a two-point, and how cornerbacks were no longer turning to find the ball. He even said that some quarterbacks had not even taken a direct snap from center because they always played in the shotgun formation. That’s unbelievable because it’s basic, fundamental football. It will get worse with all of these players transferring and getting NIL money from their respective colleges. Why leave when a player could make as much money in college? Why stay at a school if another is offering more money? Regardless, the NFL is still addictive. It’s fascinating to watch dynamic players like Jackson, Chase and receiver Zay Flowers perform on Sundays because they do things that others can’t. Players like Hutchinson, Parsons and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett have relentless motors, and they never stop playing hard. Teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh remain competitive because they draft well. So does Kansas City, which will always be in contention as long as they have quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite their records, the Bills (6-3), Chiefs (5-4) and Ravens remain the top three teams in the AFC. But there is a difference between being competitive and winning a Super Bowl. The Ravens have won two in their 30-year history in Baltimore, but the last one came in 2012. Yet, they still have a shot at winning another this season. It’s called parity. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Each week during the high school football season, The Baltimore Sun and the Baltimore Ravens will select one tackle football and one girls flag football Coach of the Week. Here are the winners for Week 10: Tackle football Will Thompson, Towson: The Generals finished 7-3 in the regular season after finishing the 2024 season winless. Thompson, in his first season at the helm, has Towson turned around and battling in the state playoffs. They took down county opponent Overlea, 29-20, in the first round of the state playoffs and will take on Baltimore City College on Friday for a berth in the state quarterfinals. Girls flag football Travis Blackston, Western: Blackston has led the Western program in each of its years with girls flag football, and the Doves have improved each year. Blackston’s leadership is highly regarded, as he manages both the Doves’ offense and defense. This year, Western stormed through their region (3A/4A North) by defeating Montgomery Blair, Digital Harbor and top-seed and host Paint Branch. Western ultimately came up short in the championship semifinals, losing to overall 3A/4A champion, Clarksburg. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. Related Articles Ravens vs. Browns staff picks: Who will win Sunday in Cleveland? Ravens vs. Browns scouting report for Week 11: Who has the edge? Inside how ‘positionless’ Kyle Hamilton, others spark Ravens defense Josh Tolentino: Ravens can’t be complacent in AFC North race | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Lamar Jackson delivers on promise to run less and throw more View the full article

An important defensive piece was added to the Ravens’ injury report Thursday. Outside linebacker Mike Green, a 2025 second-round draft pick out of Marshall with 22 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks this season, was limited Thursday with an ankle injury. Green didn’t appear on Wednesday’s injury report. If he can’t play Sunday against the Browns or is limited, it puts added responsibility on the plate of edge rushers Kyle Van Noy, David Ojabo and new addition Dre’Mont Jones, a Cleveland native. Linebacker Trenton Simpson is also an option to rush the passer from the edge. Green has yet to miss a game during his short NFL career, logging at least 40 snaps in eight consecutive games. Green was the only limited participant Thursday, although wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (finger), linebacker Jay Higgins IV (knee) and running back Justice Hill (toe) were all absent. Bateman, Humphrey and Higgins are expected to miss Sunday’s game with Hill’s status less certain but trending toward an absence. If Hill can’t play, third-year speedster Keaton Mitchell will assume the backup running back role behind Derrick Henry. Mitchell (knee) was a full participant Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee) was a full participant after missing Wednesday’s practice, and tight end Isaiah Likely (hip) and safety Malaki Starks (knee) also practiced fully after being limited the previous day. Jackson is expected to play Sunday, his third consecutive start after missing three games with a hamstring injury. The two-time MVP accounted for 238 total yards and four touchdowns in Baltimore’s 41-17 Week 2 blowout win over the Browns. For Cleveland, six players — outside linebacker Jerome Baker (Achilles tendon), wide receiver Isaiah Bond (foot), offensive tackle Jack Conklin (rest), tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (hamstring), linebacker Carson Schwesinger (shoulder) and wide receiver Cedric Tillman (glute) — were limited. Another five guys — guard Joel Bitonio (rest), defensive end Myles Garrett (rest), offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (back), tight end David Njoku (rest) and cornerback Denzel Ward (rest) — practiced fully. Only defensive end Alex Wright (quad) sat out practice. He also missed Wednesday’s practice with the same injury. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. Related Articles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice Thursday ahead of Browns game Staff picks for Week 11 of 2025 NFL season: Seahawks vs. Rams, Lions vs. Eagles and more Ravens’ Dre’Mont Jones ready for Cleveland homecoming: ‘Cool to be back’ Ravens injury report: Marlon Humphrey ruled out; 7 others limited or absent Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was back at practice Thursday in Owings Mills. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player was absent Wednesday with a knee injury. Coach John Harbaugh said Jackson had some soreness in it following Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, during which he took a few hard hits, including one in the second from outside linebacker Dallas Turner that resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Whether Jackson is a full participant remains to be seen, though. The injury report will be out later Thursday afternoon. Wednesday marked the first time that Jackson had missed a practice since returning from a hamstring injury Oct. 22. That injury, suffered in the third quarter of a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, kept him sidelined for the remainder of that game and each of the next three. Baltimore went 1-2 during that span, with its lone victory in that stretch coming against the Chicago Bears when Tyler Huntley got the nod to start over Cooper Rush, who had started the previous two games. Since Jackson’s return in a Thursday night win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, he has completed 35 of 52 passes for 380 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Meanwhile, the only other players missing from Thursday’s practice were the same as a day earlier: wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle), running back Justice Hill (toe), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (finger) and linebacker Jay Higgins IV (knee). The Ravens are looking for their fourth straight win and will face the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers and FOX45’s Patrice Sanders pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 11: New York Jets vs. New England Patriots (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (8-6 last week, 101-46-1 overall): Patriots Sam Cohn (10-4 last week, 102-45-1 overall): Patriots Mike Preston (8-6 last week, 98-49-1 overall): Patriots Josh Tolentino (9-5 last week, 100-47-1 overall): Patriots C.J. Doon (8-6 last week, 92-55-1 overall): Patriots Bennett Conlin (8-6 last week, 95-52-1 overall): Patriots Tim Schwartz (8-6 last week, 89-58-1 overall): Patriots Patrice Sanders (11-3 last week, 91-54-1 overall): Patriots Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 9:30 a.m.) Wacker: Commanders Cohn: Dolphins Preston: Commanders Tolentino: Dolphins Doon: Commanders Conlin: Dolphins Schwartz: Dolphins Sanders: Dolphins Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Panthers Cohn: Falcons Preston: Falcons Tolentino: Falcons Doon: Falcons Conlin: Panthers Schwartz: Falcons Sanders: Falcons Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bills Cohn: Buccaneers Preston: Bills Tolentino: Bills Doon: Bills Conlin: Buccaneers Schwartz: Bills Sanders: Bills Los Angeles Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Chargers Cohn: Chargers Preston: Chargers Tolentino: Chargers Doon: Chargers Conlin: Jaguars Schwartz: Chargers Sanders: Chargers Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Vikings Cohn: Bears Preston: Vikings Tolentino: Bears Doon: Bears Conlin: Vikings Schwartz: Bears Sanders: Bears Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Cohn: Packers Preston: Packers Tolentino: Packers Doon: Packers Conlin: Packers Schwartz: Packers Sanders: Packers Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Steelers Cohn: Steelers Preston: Steelers Tolentino: Steelers Doon: Steelers Conlin: Steelers Schwartz: Bengals Sanders: Bengals Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Texans Cohn: Texans Preston: Texans Tolentino: Texans Doon: Texans Conlin: Texans Schwartz: Texans Sanders: Texans San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Cohn: 49ers Preston: 49ers Tolentino: Cardinals Doon: 49ers Conlin: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Sanders: 49ers Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Rams Cohn: Seahawks Preston: Rams Tolentino: Rams Doon: Seahawks Conlin: Rams Schwartz: Seahawks Sanders: Seahawks Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Cohn: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Tolentino: Chiefs Doon: Broncos Conlin: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs Sanders: Chiefs Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Cohn: Eagles Preston: Eagles Tolentino: Eagles Doon: Lions Conlin: Lions Schwartz: Lions Sanders: Eagles Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Cowboys Cohn: Cowboys Preston: Cowboys Tolentino: Cowboys Doon: Cowboys Conlin: Cowboys Schwartz: Cowboys Sanders: Cowboys View the full article

It’ll be Dre’Mont Jones’ second trip to Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field on Sunday, and the homecoming still means plenty. Baltimore’s recent trade addition grew up in Cleveland — where weekends were spent on the couch watching Ohio State on Saturdays and the Browns on Sundays. The defensive lineman will now look to build on an impressive Ravens debut in front of a hometown crowd. “It’s cool to be back home and look at the stadium you used to grow up watching 24/7 every week and then get the opportunity to play in it,” Jones said. “Beyond that, I’m a Raven. My focus is on how I can make this team better.” When asked about his fondest memories growing up as a Browns fan, Jones joked there “wasn’t too many.” His watching partner was his father — where they’d either order food or cook for each game. “I looked forward to every one of those weekends with him,” said Jones, who played at Ohio State. The Ravens surrendered a conditional fifth-round draft pick for the seven-year veteran on Nov. 3 after he logged 4 1/2 sacks in nine games with Tennessee. He played 39 snaps in his Ravens debut against the Vikings, moving around the inside and outside of the defensive line. He recorded a tackle and four quarterback pressures. Jones said that his experience playing every technique along the defensive line made the transition seamless. He felt his pass rushing was sharp in his Ravens debut and appreciated the trust from coaches to move across the front with confidence. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley said that Jones’ presence adds a new dimension to Baltimore’s defense, creating more one-on-one chances for interior linemen and increasing overall pass-rush pressure. “He’s disruptive on the edge, does his job and was doing what we went out and got him to do,” outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. Coach John Harbaugh said last week that the trade for Jones had been “in the works for awhile.” The move came at a pivotal time for Baltimore, which is tied for last in the NFL with 12 sacks. Harbaugh noted that Jones would be integrated immediately — and he was, featuring the variety of looks against Minnesota’s offense. Related Articles Ravens injury report: Marlon Humphrey ruled out; 7 others limited or absent Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens QB Lamar Jackson absent from practice with knee injury Ravens WR Rashod Bateman not expected to play Sunday vs. Browns: source Meet the undrafted Ravens rookie becoming a special teams star “He got all his assignments right, and had all the terms right, and was versatile along the line,” Harbaugh said after the 27-19 win over Minnesota. “[He] was a factor — physicality, quickness, knows how to play the game. He added a good flavor to it.” Jones said that he spent his first week in Baltimore working to get acclimated to his new setting and learning his new teammates. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do — just pick up and go,” Jones said. “But it’s part of the job.” Jones told media Wednesday that he’s looking forward to seeing his family Sunday — including his partner, his kids, both sides of the family and two older brothers. “I feel like I’ve been lost for a little bit, unintentionally,” Jones said. “I don’t know anything about Baltimore. It’s good to be back.” As for the amount of tickets he requested for the game, Jones smiled at the question. “No comment,” he laughed. Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. View the full article

The Ravens’ brief reprieve from the injury bug quickly ended. Wednesday’s practice brought back a familiar sight at the Under Armour Performance Center with five players unavailable, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey had pins inserted into a finger that was injured last week at practice, coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. The procedure will keep the cornerback out of Sunday’s game at Cleveland. “Hopefully in the next week, he’ll be back,” Harbaugh said. Jackson was held out of practice with what Harbaugh described as “knee pain” unrelated to the hamstring injury that sidelined the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player for three games earlier this season. Harbaugh said that the quarterback should be fine moving forward. In Jackson’s absence, the Ravens went 1-2, with Tyler Huntley earning the lone win after back-to-back losses with Cooper Rush. “He should be OK. Looking forward to practice tomorrow,” Harbaugh said of Jackson. Running back Justice Hill was also absent Wednesday. If he’s unable to play, third-year running back Keaton Mitchell would likely step into the No. 2 role after logging just 15 carries this season, though he was limited Wednesday (knee). Rookie linebacker Jay Higgins IV also missed Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury. Harbaugh that said Hill’s issue isn’t considered serious, but noted Monday that Higgins is expected to be out for several weeks. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman is expected to miss Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, as reported Wednesday by The Baltimore Sun. The injury occurred on what looked like a hip-drop tackle midway through the third quarter of last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Tight end Isaiah Likely (hip) and safety Malaki Starks (knee) were also limited in practice, bringing the total to eight Ravens who were either sidelined or limited Wednesday. The rash of injuries comes after the Ravens had no players limited or sidelined by injury last week, with tackle Ronnie Stanley sitting out Friday’s practice for rest. Cleveland was also banged up Wednesday, listing 11 players on its injury report. Defensive end Myles Garrett, cornerback Denzel Ward, guard Joel Bitonio and tight end David Njoku were all limited for rest. Tackle Cornelius Lucas (back) was also limited. After starting the season opener, he hasn’t played since Oct. 19. Receiver Cedric Tillman (glute) was limited in his second game back after missing four weeks, while fellow wideout Isaiah Bond (foot) was also limited. Related Articles Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens QB Lamar Jackson absent from practice with knee injury Ravens WR Rashod Bateman not expected to play Sunday vs. Browns: source Meet the undrafted Ravens rookie becoming a special teams star Watch Episode 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Linebackers Jerome Baker (Achilles) and Carson Schwesinger (shoulder) were both listed as limited participants; Schwesinger has played the most snaps at the position for Cleveland this season. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (hamstring, who leads the Browns with 396 receiving yards, was limited as well. Defensive end Alex Wright (quad) was the only player who did not practice. He’s appeared in every game this season, recording three sacks. Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. View the full article

Watch the “Overtime” segment of the 11th episode of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law. The longtime sports columnist answers reader questions from Baltimore Sun subscribers after the Ravens moved to 4-5 with a victory over the Vikings. Missed the 11th episode of the pod? Watch here. Have a question for Preston about the Ravens? Message us at sports@baltsun.com. You can watch the BMore Football Podcast weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent from Wednesday’s practice in Owings Mills with a knee injury, coach John Harbaugh said. Harbaugh said that Jackson had some soreness coming out of Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings and “should be OK” to practice Thursday. The first injury report of the week will be issued later Wednesday afternoon. It marks the first time that Jackson has missed a practice since returning from a hamstring injury Oct. 22. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player was 17 of 29 passing for 176 yards and a touchdown and had 36 rushing yards on nine carries in a win over the Vikings on Sunday but appeared to be possibly dinged up after the game. In that game, he also took a hard hit from outside linebacker Dallas Turner, who was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after driving Jackson into the turf on the play. Jackson has already missed three games this season because of a hamstring injury that he suffered in the third quarter of a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens lost each of their next two games with Cooper Rush at quarterback before Tyler Huntley got the start in a Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears. Four days later, Jackson returned and threw four touchdown passes to lead Baltimore to a 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Ravens will play the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday. Jackson’s availability for that game remains to be seen. Jackson was one of a handful of players missing. Also not practicing was wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who is already not expected to play Sunday because of a high ankle sprain, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation. Others not in attendance included running back Justice Hill, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and rookie linebacker Jay Higgins IV. Humphrey had surgery on his injured finger and will miss Sunday’s game, Harbaugh said. Since Jackson returned two games ago, he has completed 35 of 52 passes for 380 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 50 yards on 14 carries. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Watch ‘Overtime’ of Ep. 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens WR Rashod Bateman not expected to play Sunday vs. Browns: source Meet the undrafted Ravens rookie becoming a special teams star Watch Episode 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Justin Tucker served his suspension. His apology is overdue. | COMMENTARY View the full article

Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is not expected to play Sunday in Cleveland against the Browns after suffering a high ankle sprain in this past week’s win over the Vikings in Minnesota, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Baltimore Sun. Bateman, 25, said that he suffered the injury midway through the third quarter on a 10-yard completion to the Vikings’ 1-yard line when cornerback Isaiah Rodgers fell on him as he dragged him to the ground. He remained in the game and caught a 2-point conversion in the fourth quarter, but afterward left U.S. Bank Stadium in a walking boot on his right foot. Coach John Harbaugh didn’t say how long Bateman could be sidelined, but the type of injury he has could keep him out for a game or two, depending on how he responds to treatment. “I think he’s going to be OK,” Harbaugh said Monday. “We’ll see how serious it is going forward. … We will probably know more on Wednesday.” Harbaugh also said he believes Rodgers used an illegal hip-drop tackle on the play. No flag was thrown — only three have been since the tackle was banned at the start of last season — though several players have been fined after the fact. The Browns game would be the first that the fifth-year receiver has missed because of an injury since a hamstring injury sidelined him for a 2023 Week 3 contest — also in Cleveland — after groin and foot injuries plagued his first two seasons in the league. With Bateman out, Baltimore (4-5), which has won three in a row and moved within a game of the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, will likely increase snaps for veteran DeAndre Hopkins, who has averaged just over 17 snaps along with two targets per game this season. Veteran Tylan Wallace and second-year receiver Devontez Walker could also see increased roles, as could the team’s three tight ends. Related Articles Meet the undrafted Ravens rookie becoming a special teams star Watch Episode 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Justin Tucker served his suspension. His apology is overdue. | COMMENTARY The NFL remains a hot ticket internationally as the league expands its global footprint Ex-Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eligible to return to NFL. Who might sign him? Bateman, who signed a three-year, $36.75 million extension in June, has gotten off to a slow start this year. After career highs in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine) in 2024, he has just 16 catches on 31 targets for 194 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. Still, given his dynamic route-running and ability to stretch the field, losing him for any length of time would be a blow to an offense that has been inconsistent and ranks 20th in yards per game (318.8) and 27th in red zone scoring (50%). The Ravens are also trying to sweep the Browns (2-7) for the first time since the 2020 season after beating them 41-17 in Week 2 in Baltimore. The schedule should at least help if Bateman does have an extended absence. After Cleveland, the Ravens return home to face the New York Jets (2-7) on Nov. 23. They’ll then have a quick turnaround, though, with a Thanksgiving night game in Baltimore against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6). Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The ball was kicked to the numbers on the right side of the field at U.S. Bank Stadium, or a long way from where Ravens safety Keondre Jackson was positioned as the fourth man in from the left. No problem. Jackson, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, first juked past Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward, then closed in as rookie returner Myles Price bounced to the inside and in his direction. Trenton Simpson arrived first, but as Price started to slip through the linebacker’s tackle he was finished off by Jackson, whose right arm dislodged the ball. Once loose, things got “crazy” at the bottom of the pile but Jackson fought for it the way he’d fought his whole life and came away with it. Two states away and a few hundred miles to the south, Freeport High School football and wrestling coach Anthony Dedmond rejoiced. “Nothing was given to him,” he said. “He didn’t have the easiest time growing up. A lot of times he could’ve quit or made excuses. He never did. Sometimes he’d come to wrestling practice a minute late and I’d send him home after he’d walked there. It was just about accountability and consistency. “His want-to is second-to-none. Everything he has is because of the work he has put in.” Baltimore has a long history of overachievers who have played outsized roles as special teams stars, from Bennie Thompson, Anthony Mitchell and Adalius Thomas to more recently Tylan Wallace. Perhaps Jackson will be next. The third-quarter turnover on Sunday was the second in as many possessions for the Vikings, helped shift the tide in what up until then had been a tight contest and led to a touchdown six plays later for a two-score lead in the Ravens’ eventual 27-19 victory. It was also just the latest in a number of notable plays by Jackson, who over the past few months has gone from the practice squad to being a game-day elevation to being signed to the 53-man roster to perhaps being on his way to etching his name into team lore. “We knew he was loose with the ball the whole week, so I was just trying to get my hand on that,” he said of the fumble he both caused and recovered. “At the bottom of the pile, it was crazy down there, but I’m just sitting down there holding the ball. I knew I had it. I knew I was going to come up with it.” Those in Jackson’s orbit, past and present, weren’t surprised. In four seasons at Illinois State, he racked up 225 tackles in 45 games (33 starts), including 14 tackles for loss, 5 1/2 sacks, five interceptions — two of which he returned for touchdowns — and had 13 pass breakups. His senior year, he played the second half of the season with a separated shoulder, was named an FCS All-American and in the season opener that year – a 40-0 wipeout at Iowa’s raucous Kinnick Stadium – had a season-high 11 tackles. One in particular stood out, though. “Even with our headsets on, he made a hit on a check-down and you could hear the pads crack,” coach Brock Spack said. “That whole stadium went ‘Oooh!’ That’s what epitomizes his career here.” It often wasn’t easy. In his early days at Illinois State, Spack told Jackson that he needed to get his grades in order if he wanted to play football there. When he first arrived, he did so as a walk-on. In high school, where he also wrestled, his path forward wasn’t always clear or certain. There were “tough times” off the field Dedmond said, noting a turbulent childhood that included Jackson moving around quite a bit including to Mississippi before returning to Freeport, a blue-collar town of about 23,000 a half hour west of Rockford. Still, if there’s one thing that Jackson loves, coaches at all three levels said, it’s football. “There was no plan B for him,” Dedmond said. “He had plan A and that was it. “Sometimes people took his passion as being hard to deal with. But just seeing that passion grow was huge.” So, too, have been some of the plays he has made for Baltimore. Ravens safety Keondre Jackson catches a football during training camp. Jackson has proven to be an asset on special teams. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) In four games, he has made six tackles on special teams. He was called for two penalties in a win over the Miami Dolphins, but the speed, physicality and verve with which he plays has been both vital and an injection of juice into the unit. It’s also a role Jackson has long embraced. At Illinois State, coaches on more than one occasion wanted to move him off special teams because he was too valuable as the team’s top defender. Jackson wasn’t having it. “He’ll do anything to get on the field,” Spack said. “Going into his senior year I remember talking to scouts and saying this guy smells and breathes of special teams. He’ll cover, block on returns, anything. He really likes it. “You could just tell he’d be good at it, too. He’s hard to block, can run, he’s athletic. He’s hard to stop in the open field because of that.” That was evident in Minnesota even after he recovered the fumble. Jackson celebrated with a backflip, something he’d done the week before after a big tackle against the Dolphins the week before. This time he stuck the landing a lot better, too. Related Articles Watch Episode 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Justin Tucker served his suspension. His apology is overdue. | COMMENTARY The NFL remains a hot ticket internationally as the league expands its global footprint Ex-Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eligible to return to NFL. Who might sign him? Ravens WR Rashod Bateman suffers high-ankle sprain on controversial tackle It’s no wonder then that it didn’t take long for Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who cut his teeth in the NFL as a longtime special teams coach, to see what Jackson was capable of. “He was bringing it,” Harbaugh said. “He was showing us a lot of progress, a lot of development, improvement and all those things. “He has some unique skills. He’s a big rangy, fast, explosive athlete who is certainly not afraid to throw it in there and mix it up, which he does at a high level. I think he’s a football player, and he proves that. [He has an] infectious personality and high energy. To see it show up on the field the way it has is a great thing to see, and he’s building a resume, but now the standard keeps going up for him.” As Dedmond texted Jackson the other day, though, “great job, but it’s just the beginning.” “This moment is not his best moment. It’s just the start to the best moment,” he said. “Anything’s possible.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Episode 11 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. Preston and Coleman break down the Ravens’ three-game winning streak and look ahead to Sunday’s clash with the Browns. You can watch it weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

For the first time in his career, Justin Tucker is a free agent in search of work. His 10-week suspension is over and Tucker can now rejoin a locker room and try to reclaim the rhythm and routine that shaped his storied career. Second chances exist in life and sports. Teams desperate for stability at kicker will at least consider signing the greatest kicker in league history. Soon enough, Tucker may emerge in a new uniform, but his nearing return to football still feels incomplete. Tucker, who turns 36 on Nov. 26, served his suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy after more than a dozen female massage therapists accused him of inappropriate sexual behavior. When the allegations were first revealed and the league later issued its discipline, Tucker repeatedly denied all wrongdoing. To this date, Tucker’s only semblance of an apology was his statement to Outkick in February: “It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected … to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry. I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider.” Yet he never appealed his suspension, which the league allowed him to serve as a free agent. Hmmm. If Tucker truly felt like nothing inappropriate occurred, why not automatically challenge the suspension, which was issued after the NFL conducted an investigation, through the appeals process? To deny the behavior but accept the punishment without contesting it created a contradiction that has never been addressed. Now, as Tucker becomes eligible to return, the most significant moment of his return won’t be his next contract signing or field goal attempt. It will be the first time he speaks publicly. That could come at a podium, in a team locker room or perhaps on a Zoom screen. But it’s coming — for Tucker and whichever team decides to employ him — and what he says in that moment will determine whether he actually moves forward. Issuing a brief, direct apology acknowledging his actions would not erase what allegedly happened a decade ago. But a real apology would finally acknowledge the pain inflicted on those affected. It would also address the confusion many Ravens fans still feel about how to view one of the franchise’s greats. Baltimore, meanwhile, has already moved forward. The Ravens released Tucker in May following 13 memorable seasons, labeling his release ‘a football decision.’ His performance dipped drastically as Tucker suffered from a career-worst 73.3 field goal percentage in 2024. When the Ravens tabbed Tyler Loop as the first kicker drafted in franchise history, it signaled a new era. Loop has lived up to his draft status, making 16 of 18 field goals and 23 of 24 extra-point attempts. Following Tucker’s shadow always was a hefty task for whoever inherited the role, but Loop has looked unfazed during his rookie season. Even Tucker’s place in NFL record books has shifted. Just last week, Jaguars kicker Cam Little’s 68-yard field goal broke Tucker’s previous NFL record of 66 yards for the longest kick in league history. The NFL does not stop to wait for a player to reclaim what they once were. Tucker’s representation is aware. Last month, NFL Network publicized a video on social media, pushed by his camp, of Tucker recreating his most iconic kicks during a workout at his alma mater, the University of Texas. NFL Network also reported Tucker already was garnering interest from multiple teams. Tucker wants back in. Related Articles Ex-Ravens kicker Justin Tucker eligible to return to NFL. Who might sign him? Ravens WR Rashod Bateman suffers high-ankle sprain on controversial tackle 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 27-19 win over the Vikings Mike Preston: Ravens remain the NFL’s biggest mystery | COMMENTARY Ravens near a return to defensive standard. Ask Lamar Jackson. | COMMENTARY There are too many teams dealing with missed kicks and extra-point attempts. One of them will likely reemploy one of the NFL’s greatest kickers. Whenever Tucker returns to an NFL roster, a coach and/or general manager will talk about second chances. For Tucker, it’s about recognition and accountability. His path back to respect, not just a roster spot, runs through his level of accountability. While he served his 10-game suspension, his actions and lack of a meaningful apology indicate he believed he never deserved the league-issued discipline. Accountability doesn’t require a speech. In Tucker’s case, it may take only a sentence or two. “I acknowledge the harm caused and want to put everything behind me. I am sorry.” His suspension is over and teams will evaluate their options. But Tucker’s real return begins when he speaks publicly to the people who have waited far longer than 10 weeks for him to do so. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

By TALES AZZONI MADRID (AP) — The initial batch of tickets for the first regular-season NFL game in Madrid were gone in a matter of hours, with nearly 700,000 people trying to get a seat to watch the Miami Dolphins play the Washington Commanders on Sunday at Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. For the first game in Ireland last month, organizers said some 600,000 digital devices were logged on to try to buy tickets for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the Minnesota Vikings at Dublin’s famed Croke Park. The demand has been similarly high in other cities hosting games in recent years, and more countries have been reaching out to the NFL. An NFL official says “probably a day doesn’t go by” without a city saying they are interested in potentially hosting a game. The host cities themselves have treated the games as their Super Bowls, with a series of promotional events and fan activities planned in the weeks ahead and high-profile artists performing at halftime. They have generated massive fan interest locally and attracted fans from nearby European countries, allowing host cities to gain financially and in visibility. Mini Super Bowls Gerrit Meier, managing director and head of NFL International, said organizers went into the game in Dublin last month with “a real sense of a mini Super Bowl coming to town.” There were NFL experiences and shops brought to iconic venues, and murals and light projections were visible throughout the Irish city. Similar activities were being promoted for Spain’s inaugural game in Madrid. Puerto Rican superstar Daddy Yankee and Argentine producer Bizarrap are set to perform at halftime in Madrid. British singer Myles Smith was the star at halftime in Dublin, while Grammy award-winning artist Karol G performed in Sao Paulo in September. Grammy-nominated Kid Laroi was the headliner for Berlin’s first regular-season game last week, while the games in London included shows by British singer Raye and British rapper Giggs. Most games abroad ever The three games played in London this season took the total there to 42 games since 2007, which is when the NFL officially kicked off its push to grow internationally with regular-season games abroad. The league has been aggressively expanding in recent years, and the seven games played internationally this season are the most ever for the NFL. Next year, it will go to Australia and add a game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reiterated that the league plans to increase the number of international games to a point where each team will get to play a game abroad every year. He said in September that the NFL also wants to play in Asia. The league may also look at possible locations for a game in Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia could possibly be in the mix as well. “Probably a day doesn’t go by where someone on our international team doesn’t receive outreach from a city or an entity interested in working with the NFL and potentially hosting a game,” said Peter O’Reilly, the NFL vice president in charge of international affairs. ”There’s very strong interest. I think cities have seen what it’s like to host a game, and the visibility that it brings, as well as the magnet it is for people from that region, and more broadly, around the world to come in.” Economic impact The estimated economic impact for London since the first game was played there in 2007 has reportedly reached $2.6 billion. The first time the NFL played in Germany in 2022, the economic impact was more than $80 million for the Munich area, and Spain expects similar numbers, according to some local estimates. Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez said it was “a great honor that a competition with the prestige of the NFL” chose Madrid as host. “This is a matter of great pride for us, for Real Madrid fans, for Madrid citizens and for Spaniards,” Pérez said when the game was announced. “We are convinced that the city and our stadium are ready to be part of one of the greatest spectacles in the world.” More than 60 regular-season games will have been played abroad through this season, with London, Munich, Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Madrid, Berlin, Dublin and Toronto hosting them. “Our historic first game in Madrid is a very exciting next step in the league’s history,” the NFL country manager for Spain, Rafa de los Santos, told The Associated Press. “Beyond playing international games, and expanding our global footprint, we want to grow our presence in key markets around the world year-round, bringing more fans globally closer to our game, our clubs and our players.” Global momentum O’Reilly said the league is excited about growing global momentum and the owners “continue to prioritize global growth” and work to establish a strategic foundation “across the league to become a true global sport property.” “We’re now in a state where teams are very interested in raising their hand to play in certain markets, especially where they have global market rights, and we’re hearing from more and more countries and cities who are interested in being part of these international games’ road map,” O’Reilly said. The league recently expanded its Global Markets Program, which awards teams international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the United States. Now all 32 teams participate in the program across 21 international markets — up from 25 clubs across 19 markets in 2024. Teams benefiting The NFL teams have jumped on the opportunity to expand their brand internationally and have been riding the current wave of interest. “When you play a game abroad, it’s not just about the result on the field,” said Dolphins vice president of international development Felipe Formiga, who leads the organization’s brand development and growth strategy in international markets. The Dolphins will be playing their eighth regular-season game abroad, second only to the 14 played by the Jacksonville Jaguars. “For us, it’s about celebrating American football internationally, about making history by playing in this first-ever game in Spain,” he told the AP. “This movement by the NFL in recent years to motivate teams to expand internationally has presented us with great opportunities, and it has been a perfect match for the Dolphins, which already has in its DNA that aspect of being an international organization.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl View the full article

Embattled ex-Ravens kicker Justin Tucker could soon be back in the NFL. Tucker, 35, is eligible to be reinstated Tuesday after serving a 10-week suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy following several sexual misconduct allegations brought against him earlier this year. He was released by Baltimore in May, about three months after more than a dozen female massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct at several Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta called the move a “football decision” in a statement at the time and made no mention of the allegations against the former star. In June, the NFL suspended Tucker following an investigation into the accusations. The league did not release details of the findings, but that is typical unless a player files an appeal and the case goes in front of a disciplinary officer. Tucker has repeatedly denied the allegations, though he did not file an appeal. He has not been charged with a crime and faces no known civil lawsuits. Although Tucker was not eligible to practice with a team until fulfilling his suspension, he was allowed to sign with one before then. The fourth-most accurate kicker in NFL history with a career field goal accuracy rate of 89.1%, Tucker spent his first 11 seasons in Baltimore, where he became one of the faces of the franchise and was a prominent figure in and around the city, along with becoming one of the best kickers in history. He also had the worst year of his career last season, making just 73.3% of his field goal attempts and missing two extra points. Then in January, The Baltimore Banner first reported that six massage therapists said Tucker exposed his genitals, brushed two of them with his exposed penis and left what was believed to be ejaculate on the massage table following three treatments. More than a dozen massage therapists made similar accusations, all having allegedly taken place between 2012 and 2016, and about five months later, he was suspended by the NFL. It was reported last month by NFL Network that the five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection has been working out his alma mater, Texas, while a free agent and that he had already drawn interest from “several teams.” Where could Tucker possibly land? Here are a few possibilities: Los Angeles Rams The Rams are 7-2 and tied for the best record in the NFC. They are also in desperate need of a dependable kicker. Whether Tucker fits that bill, however, remains to be seen from an organization that has steered clear of controversial players. Still, they are potentially in the market. Joshua Karty had been L.A.’s kicker but was replaced Sunday by second-year pro Harrison Mevis, who didn’t attempt any field goals in the 42-26 win over the San Francisco 49ers but did make all six of his extra point tries. Karty, who is still on the roster for now, had made just 66.7% of his field goal attempts this season, which was the lowest mark in the league. Two of those misses came earlier this month in a blowout win over the New Orleans Saints, and he also missed his third extra point of the season in that game, prompting the change. Whether Mevis is the long-term solution or Karty is able to turn things around remains to be seen, but for a Super Bowl contender, having a kicker that can be counted on is critical. Green Bay Packers The only kicker in the league Karty has been worse than (minimum 10 field goal attempts) is veteran Brandon McManus, who has connected on just 68.8% of his field goal attempts. That included missing a 43-yarder last week in a brutal 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 2. McManus, 34, has also missed two games with a quad injury. Those struggles came after he made 95.2% of his field goals last season, which led to a three-year, $15.3 million contract in March. But like the Rams, the Packers are a Super Bowl contender and could be looking for a more dependable option. They also have Lucas Harisik, who filled in for McManus and made all four field goal attempts, including a 61-yarder, in his absence. Atlanta Falcons The mercurial Falcons are already on their third kicker after parting ways with longtime kicker Younghoe Koo and then John Parker Romo, who took over for Koo in Week 2. Romo lasted until only Week 9, though, after he’d made just 66.7% of his field goals and then missed an extra point in a 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots. Now, veteran Zane Gonzalez is their kicker. Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, shown in 2024, is eligible to return from his 10-week suspension. But after being suspended because of sexual misconduct allegations and struggling on the field in 2024, will any team want to sign him? (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Gonzalez, 30, made a 43-yarder and both extra points in Atlanta’s wild 31-25 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but he has been average at best for the bulk of his career. He’s made 88% of his field goals in a season only twice and hasn’t eclipsed that mark since 2021. For his career, Gonzalez has made just 80.2% of his field goals. Tucker would certainly be a significant upgrade. New York Giants After Graham Gano suffered a herniated disc earlier this month, the Giants elevated Koo from their practice squad beginning in Week 10 after having signed him in September following his Falcons release. In his first action Sunday against the Chicago Bears, he promptly made both field goal attempts and both extra points. Still, New York for years has struggled to find a consistent kicker. The Giants are also not a contender and Tucker’s story would provide ample tabloid fodder they would likely rather avoid. New York also just fired its coach on Monday, so that all but eliminates any chance it would bring Tucker in now. Related Articles Justin Tucker served his suspension. His apology is overdue. | COMMENTARY Ravens WR Rashod Bateman suffers high-ankle sprain on controversial tackle 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 27-19 win over the Vikings Mike Preston: Ravens remain the NFL’s biggest mystery | COMMENTARY Ravens near a return to defensive standard. Ask Lamar Jackson. | COMMENTARY But if he doesn’t sign anywhere, which is another possibility, he perhaps could end up being an affordable option at a position of need with a roster that has some young and inexpensive talent at other key spots. Not signing with anyone would also open up a host of possibilities. One place it’s unlikely that he would return is in the AFC North. Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop, whom Baltimore drafted in the sixth round a few weeks before releasing Tucker, has made 16 of 18 field goals. Plus, the Ravens likely wouldn’t have brought him back even if Loop had struggled. Chris Boswell, meanwhile, has been the Pittsburgh Steelers’ kicker since 2015 and holds several franchise records and has made 17 of 20 kicks this season, so no change is happening there. Likewise, Evan McPherson has been the Cincinnati Bengals’ kicker since 2021 and has made 13 of 16 this year. He tied an NFL record for most field goals made in the postseason with 14 during the 2022-23 playoffs. In Cleveland, Andre Szmyt beat out incumbent veteran Dustin Hopkins during training camp and has made 12 of 15 field goal attempts, including two of three from 50-59 yards. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman sustained a high-ankle sprain to his right ankle, coach John Harbaugh said during his Monday news conference. He did not have a definitive answer for what the timeline to return might look like but said, “I think he’s going to be OK.” Bateman was seen wearing a boot in the visiting locker room after Baltimore’s 27-19 road win over the Vikings. He told ESPN’s Kimberley Martin that it happened midway through the third quarter. Bateman curled back toward the ball, jetted inside and made a diving effort toward the goal line before Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers yanked him to the turf. Bateman told Martin he “doesn’t expect to miss too much time” and was surprised Rodgers wasn’t flagged. Asked about the play, Harbaugh laughed, “What is a hip-drop tackle? It’s an enigma, apparently, that can’t be called during the game.” The longtime coach said he thought, “based on the definition,” Rodgers should have been flagged for a hip-drop tackle, the recently banned technique that results in a 15-yard penalty and possible fine. Harbaugh turned to a public relations spokesperson and asked, “Am I gonna get in trouble for saying that?” Teammates pulled Bateman right to his feet and he took a few steps without any noticeable limp. He played through any pain, later catching a 2-point conversion pass — his only other reception in the win — that extended Baltimore’s fourth-quarter lead to two scores. Bateman hasn’t had the encore to his breakout 2024 that some may have projected. The fifth-year wideout who signed a three-year extension this past summer has only 16 catches on 31 targets with two touchdowns. Bateman’s target share is less than half of Zay Flowers’, and his receiving yards rank fourth in Baltimore’s offense. That’s after posting career marks last season: 756 yards and nine touchdowns on 72 targets. Still, he’s a proven commodity in a you-never-know-who passing attack, and the shaky Ravens offense needs all the help they can get in this slow climb back to playoff contention. Veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins could see an uptick in targets if Bateman is to miss any time, or one of the tight ends who have gotten more involved in recent weeks. Injury luck is a fleeting abstract in the NFL. After maintaining a nearly spotless injury report last week, the Ravens are now without Bateman in the short term. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is also dealing with a finger injury. He played through it, logged his first interception of the season and took to his postgame Instagram Live all with a wrap around his hand. Humphrey could opt to play through the injury, although there’s a chance it will require surgery that could sideline him for a game or two, according to Harbaugh. Undrafted rookie Jay Higgins IV also appeared to suffer an injury on a special teams play in Sunday’s win. Higgins was seen wearing a significant brace on his right leg in the postgame locker room. Harbaugh said that Higgins’ unspecified injury would hold the linebacker out for “a few weeks.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Related Articles 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 27-19 win over the Vikings Mike Preston: Ravens remain the NFL’s biggest mystery | COMMENTARY Ravens near a return to defensive standard. Ask Lamar Jackson. | COMMENTARY The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 27-19 win over Vikings Ravens win 3rd straight, 27-19 over Vikings: ‘Starting to hit our stride’ View the full article

It wasn’t always pretty, but Baltimore showed signs that this turnaround isn’t a total fluke. The Ravens won a 27-19 slugfest in Minnesota, improving to 4-5 on the season and inching closer to the top of the AFC North. Here are five things we learned: The Ravens are surging, but they’re not quite where they need to be Take the bad with the good. Lamar Jackson wasn’t his usual dominant self on an afternoon that cornerback Marlon Humphrey called a “smoke break” for the superstar quarterback. Derrick Henry spent most of Sunday afternoon running into a barricade. Three different reliable pass catchers dropped the football. For the third time this season, an opposing receiver eclipsed triple-digit receiving yards. In this case, it was Minnesota’s third option Jalen Nailor, who set career marks with 124 yards on five catches. Nailor’s only touchdown nearly set off an improbable fourth-quarter comeback. And yet, the Ravens prevailed. They squashed a potential game-tying drive in the final minutes, thwarting early-season demons. Rookie kicker Tyler Loop kept them afloat with four field goals until the offense found a groove. And their defense hit the turnover trifecta, which at times this season felt like an impossible feat. The win, Baltimore’s third in a row, confirmed this post-bye week surge could be for real. It served as a reminder, too, that there’s still plenty to clean up. Which is why Jackson couldn’t compliment the defense without kicking himself first, “I feel like we should have helped them out a little bit more, but they got it done,” he said. Getting it done can mask some of the Ravens’ shortcomings. A light midseason schedule (the next two weeks they’ll play teams with a combined five wins) offers a ramp to get that stuff cleaned up by December. Still, Sunday showed what’s possible: a creatively potent offense, an imposing defense and an influential special teams unit. Safety Kyle Hamilton said he was joking coming off the field that it was one of only a handful of instances since he was drafted “where both sides played well.” And they did it in one of the league’s tougher places to play. All week, there was talk about how loud U.S. Bank Stadium would be. It’s so cold in Minneapolis this time of year that everyone packs into the downtown dome and screams their heads off to regulate their body temperatures. The Vikings wound up with eight false start penalties. The Ravens, who have long been plagued by such afflictions, were flagged only once. What did that say about this team in that setting? “I think that’s what won the game for us,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I really do. I think the poise under pressure, handling the noise, one presnap penalty, no turnovers in this environment. “And it’s the two-fold noise. It’s the noise of the crowd, which is incredible, and it’s also the noise of the defense and the noise they create with all their schemes and the way they play.” A pre-bye week version of this team might not have handled such raucous conditions so calmly. The simple stuff doesn’t work on third down A throw short of the sticks. Another skipping through Isaiah Likely’s mitts. A ball thrice swatted at the line of scrimmage. Henry going nowhere. Jackson ditching the ball over the end zone. That’s a sampling of Baltimore’s third-down snafus, all uncomplicated play calls that ended in frustration over stalled out drives. The Ravens went three-and-out six times. As offensive coordinator Todd Monken likes to argue, it’s only a “bad” play call if it doesn’t work. Talent alone failed to get them past the sticks nine times on 15 tries. Converting on third down Sunday required something a tad more unconventional. Monken showed how deep that playbook goes. When everyone inside U.S. Bank Stadium assumed Mark Andrews lining up under center meant a tush push — the short-yardage play that has troubled the Ravens at times, and a cheat code at others — Andrews flipped the ball to his quarterback, who snared an off-target toss with his left hand and picked up the yard and more. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson avoids a tackle by Vikings defensive end Jonathan Allen in the first half Sunday in Minneapolis. (Stacy Bengs/AP) Later, on third-and-1, thinking back to a growing sample size of failed Henry runs in such situations Sunday, Monken gave fullback Patrick Ricard his first carry in nearly three years. He tumbled over the imaginary yellow line with ease. Another funky conversion helped set up a touchdown. On third-and-2 inside Minnesota’s 10-yard line, Monken called for 13-personnel, a (very) heavy formation with one running back and three tight ends. Jackson kept the ball on a sweeper to his left behind a squadron of big bodies. Still, Jackson, who played in his 100th regular-season game, knows there’s more to be done. His mood postgame showed as much. A strong defensive showing gives them “a lot of confidence,” he said. “But I’d have even more if we were putting points on the board like we should. Hats off to our defense, because they played a wonderful game.” Defense is finally delivering on its takeaway promise Marlon Humphrey is undoubtedly the most eccentric player in the Ravens’ locker room. Anything could have been going through his head. But after intercepting a J.J. McCarthy deep shot, Humphrey looked unsure of himself, as if to wonder, where did this ball come from? What do I do with it? He was perhaps assuming a yellow flag might land near his feet, negating the play. Nope, Humphrey registered his first interception of the season (he led the Ravens with six in 2024). It was Baltimore’s second of the day, improving the team total to five on the year and at least one in a third consecutive game. Just last month, only the interception-less Jets had fewer. The Ravens are now at least better than 10 teams in that department, delivering on a preseason promise they had previously failed to deliver on. They’ve forced seven turnovers in three games after stealing three through the first six. It’s hard to blame Humphrey for looking so out of place after the catch, the return and a little bit of celebration. Sunday was the first time the Ravens’ defense logged two interceptions (rookie Malaki Starks secured the other) in a single game this year. Related Articles Mike Preston: Ravens remain the NFL’s biggest mystery | COMMENTARY Ravens near a return to defensive standard. Ask Lamar Jackson. | COMMENTARY The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 27-19 win over Vikings Ravens win 3rd straight, 27-19 over Vikings: ‘Starting to hit our stride’ Instant analysis from Ravens’ 27-19 win over Vikings Tack on the special teams fumble and Sunday was the second time in as many games the Ravens forced three takeaways, the daily goal defensive leaders set for themselves back in August and failed to roll into September or October. They’ve come a long way since. Take it from the new guy, Dre’Mont Jones, whose only thought was, “Wow, this Ravens defense is legit.” “We’re not satisfied with just getting one or two,” outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy said. “We need to get multiple. We need to get as many turnovers as we can get, and today was a great example of that.” Linebacker Roquan Smith nearly made it four with an interception that officials narrowly called back. On that one, the defense celebrated in full before the review. It wasn’t until Saturday that they even started to brainstorm how to revel in their success. Hamilton had just watched “Coach Carter,” starring Samuel L. Jackson playing a rigid basketball coach whooping his team into shape. The idea was whoever forces the turnover would roam the goal line, hands tied behind their back, imitating the legendary actor while his teammates ran gassers in the end zone. Smith ran them anyway, looking a little unsure he was doing the right thing. A replay review showed the ball had nicked the turf, and it was called back. “I’m glad that one just got thrown out. We’ll figure something else out,” Hamilton said. “At least we have stuff to celebrate now.” The Ravens talked a big game about forcing turnovers. They’re finally starting to deliver, which means they’re relearning how to look like they’ve been there before. It’s too late to buy Keondre Jackson stock In August, there were three undrafted rookies dominating the discourse. More accurately, they captured the hearts of a fan base eager for football. None of them were named Keondre Jackson. The Ravens cut him loose on Aug. 26. They signed him to the practice squad a day later. Jackson was a penny stock back then. Ten weeks into the season, the UDFA safety from Illinois State known for backflipping on the sideline is playing like a special teams ace. “He said he was gonna make a name for himself,” Harbaugh said, “I think he’s doing it.” Jackson’s ascension climaxed on a third-quarter kickoff. He wasn’t first to the ball carrier. But he raced in to finish the tackle and punched the ball from Myles Price’s grasp — his first career forced fumble. Jackson blanketed the ball. “At the bottom of the pile, it was crazy down there,” he laughed. Jackson earned the right to high-step upfield in celebration for having given Baltimore the ball three steps from the red zone. Ravens safety Keondre Jackson, shown during training camp, has developed into a special teams asset for Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) “This dude loves playing football,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “You turn on that tape, and you watch him play, he’s an impactful player in our phase of the game.” Jackson’s forced fumble was his loudest contribution this season. But he’s been a steady special teams force in recent weeks. So much so that when Baltimore waived safety Sanoussi Kane (who they signed to the practice squad days later), Jackson took his place on the 53-man roster. Credit his five tackles in three games, including a pair in wins over Miami and Chicago. “Keondre Jackson’s been great for us since he’s been active,” Hamilton said. “Big ball of energy.” Ravens embrace early season ‘scar tissue’ When a team endures the kind of turmoil the Ravens did earlier this season, players tend to wax lyrically about a singular focus. Everything is about the game in front of them, they say. One win to snowball the next. After three in a row, Hamilton finally, and reluctantly, admitted what no player had publicly. The NFL’s highest-paid safety prefaced to say he doesn’t speak for the whole team. But if there is anyone who does, even just for the defense, it would be Hamilton. “What got us — not trying to bring up the past — partially what got us to 1-5,” Hamilton said, “was the fact that we came into the season maybe thinking, ‘We’re the Baltimore Ravens. We’re gonna do this, we’re gonna do that. Teams are just gonna lay down and let us win games.’” That sentiment should have been obvious to anyone watching Baltimore’s wretched start. For weeks, opponents waltzed into M&T Bank Stadium, putting on the kind of offensive and defensive showings not seen at the home stadium since the turn of the century. The Ravens looked lost. It would be a stretch to say they’ve been found, but a three-game win streak is enough to reckon with their past and acknowledge things have changed. Or as Hamilton put it, “we’re starting to hit our stride” after getting “punched in the mouth” to start the season. “We’ll have that scar tissue going forward,” he said. Harbaugh admitted to letting his emotions bubble up after the clock wound all the way down. “I didn’t shed a tear,” he clarified. “I wouldn’t let that happen.” But he was proud to see how his team persevered. The Ravens didn’t fold over when history counted them out. They’ve got a long way to go. They’re at least making things interesting. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. Ravens running back Derrick Henry turns upfield in Sunday's 27-19 win over the Vikings. Baltimore is 3-0 since its bye week. (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP) View the full article