Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green Out as Injuries Add to Bengals’ Woes

Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals team that defeated the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 1 and then dominate the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans are long gone. In their stead as the Ravens come to town for an afternoon game today are a group who can’t seem to stop the run, or the pass, and who have been rendered nearly unrecognizable by injuries. Key among the missing in Week 8 will be wide receiver A.J. Green, set to miss his third straight game with big toe problem.

While Green is the biggest name among the missing, the Bengals’ injury report is beginning to look more like a full roster list.

Also out on Sunday will be linebacker Rey Maualuga, and fellow LB Vontaze Burfict is recovering from a neck injury after two concussions suffered earlier in the season. For a team already struggling to plug holes on the ground, having these guys banged up or out is a major hit.

On the Ravens’ side of the ball, tight end Owen Daniels (knee) and defensive end Chris Canty (wrist) have been ruled out for today’s game. Canty has played only three games this season, but Daniels has grabbed 27 passes over seven games and gives quarterback Joe Flacco another option.  His absence will be felt, but not devastating.

So, to the Ravens’ advantages on both offense and defense, you can add the injury bug. While Baltimore will miss Daniels, Cincinnati will feel the pain throughout their lineup.

Tough to see how the Bengals can win this one.