Things could get bad before they get better for the Baltimore Ravens. The team is struggling at 1-4 an need some kind spark to gain some momentum, but injuries are hurting the effort heading into Week 6. With the wide receiver rotation struggling, the run game could get a little weaker as Justin Forsett could be out against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, Forsett has missed his second straight practice after injuring his ankle and his status for Sunday is doubtful. The Ravens are hoping for a little clarity on Forsett's status on Friday as the running back will try and get healthy before the matchup. The injury to Forsett could put the run game on ice. Baltimore has already placed backup Lorenzo Taliaferro on injured reserve for a foot injury. That would leave rookie Javorius Allen as the only healthy back on the roster. He would be the starter if that is the only option for Baltimore.
Losing Forsett would be devastating for a Ravens team in need of a win. The receiving game has been inconsistent with players on and off the field with injuries. Steve Smith returned to practice as he deals with four microfractures in his back. The wide receiver anticipates that he will play in Week 6. That is a good sign for quarterback Joe Flacco as Breshad Perriman remains out with knee injury. The Ravens have been frustrated with Perriman's recovery from a sprained PCL. The Ravens were hopeful the rookie would be back by now as head coach John Harbaugh calls his injury the "slowest healing PCL."
With Smith back but Perriman out, Marlon Brown and Kamar Aiken will be critical for Flacco in the Week 6 matchup. The quarterback has been trying to make something out of nothing for the offense and it is not going well as the defense also struggles to make an impact. The Ravens continue to fall in close games and Flacco admits he is frustrated with the issues.
"I think a loss is a loss," Flacco said, via ESPN.com. "I don't think you can stand here and say, 'But we only lost them [by a close score]. We had a chance to win.' You're going down a slippery slope when you start doing those things. It's almost like you're looking for an excuse and pointing the finger. I think that's, at least, what that leads to. I think it feels bad no matter what, and we just have to keep righting the ship and go out there and make the most of what's ahead of us. I don't know what that is, but we have to make the most of it."
