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Ravens at Browns: Week 2 inactives

By James Dudko

Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens will again be without Elvis Dumervil for their Week 2 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The stud pass-rusher headlines the list of inactives for the 1-0 Ravens.

Dumervil isn’t the only member of the front seven not to suit up for the Baltimore defense. Rookie D-tackle Willie Henry will also miss out, the Ravens confirmed via social media:

Significantly, cornerbacks Will Davis Jerraud Powers are also sitting out. Their absence could be a blow for a secondary already short of cornerback help.

In particular, veteran Powers could have manned the slot in sub-package fronts.

It’s a weakness the Browns can exploit if they get slot receiver Andrew Hawkins involved. At least stand-in quarterback Josh McCown, starting in place of the injured Robert Griffin III, may get to throw from a clean pocket.

Of course, the Browns have their own issues defensively. But those concern the state of things up front.

Tackles John Hughes III and Gabe Wright are inactive, per the team’s official site. Their omissions weaken an already suspect line and its ability to corral the Baltimore ground game.

Stopping the run is an obvious weakness for the Browns. It’s something veteran Ravens runner Justin Forsett can take advantage of.

The Browns also opted to leave out a pair of rookies. Middle linebacker Scooby Wright III and wideout Jordan Payton didn’t make the cut.

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It means the Browns appear content to rely on their veteran core against an always tough divisional opponent. Wright’s absence makes some sense, since Demario Davis and Christian Kirksey already man the middle of the linebacker corps.

But Payton may have given McCown another weapon to aim for, one the Ravens would unlikely have prepared for. The Cleveland offense will need all the playmakers it can get to try and target any weaknesses in a very stout Ravens defense.

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