-
Jamison Hensley, ESPN Scribbler Team
CLEVELAND — The NFL’s lowest-ranked pass protection plays a significant role at cornerback.
The Baltimore Ravens downgraded rookie first-round pick Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness) to out on Saturday, so a struggling defense will be thinner at cornerback for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Wiggins was expected to start in the park for Marlon Humphrey, the team’s interception leader who is questionable due to knee trauma.
The Ravens are currently expected to start Jalyn Armour-Davis, who was activated from an injury Saturday, along with two-year starter Brandon Stephens. Armour-Davis, who has two career starts in three seasons, missed speed for four games due to hamstring trauma.
Baltimore (5-2) has won five straight games under the power of quarterback Lamar Jackson and the NFL’s top-ranked offense. The Ravens have struggled on defense, allowing a league-high 287.1 yards passing, depending on the game. Baltimore has allowed three of five opposing quarterbacks to throw for more than 300 yards, including Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield (370 yards) on Monday night.
Humphrey injured his knee Monday after making his fourth interception of the season, which ranks second in the NFL. Not all of the past applied.
The Ravens were going to tender Wiggins, the 30th overall pick in this year’s draft. But Wiggins, who was initially listed as questionable on Friday, was ruled out Saturday when it was decided he would not make the trip to Cleveland.
Baltimore will have to deal with quarterback Jameis Winston, who is making his first starting start for the Browns. Starter Deshaun Watson suffered season-ending Achilles trauma on Sunday.
