These two teams last met on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore defeated Pittsburgh by the score of 26-6, but now the Steelers are a completely different team and some notable players are injured for both sides.
The visiting Ravens have been playing some good football, but they now face their second consecutive division opponent on the road, which is no easy contest. The Steelers started off slow, but they've scored 81 points in their past two games and improved to 5-3. It won't help that the Ravens will be without starting cornerback Jimmy Smith (foot) because Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown torching defenses this season (60 receptions for 852 yards and seven touchdowns).
A few starters are also questionable for Baltimore, including defensive end Chris Canty (wrist), tight end Owen Daniels (knee) and guard Marshal Yanda (knee). Backup wide receiver Michael Campanaro (thigh) will also miss tonight's game. Running back Justin Forsett (ankle), linebacker Terrell Suggs (neck), cornerback Lardarius Webb (not injury related), and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (shin) are listed as probable and should be good to go.
Pittsburgh will be without starting cornerback Ike Taylor for the sixth straight week after the veteran broke his forearm on September 21. His six-week timetable for return indicates he should be back soon though. Backup safety Ross Ventrone (hamstring) will also be held out of action. Luckily for the Steelers, their health has held up, which has helped them rebound in recent weeks and earn quality wins over the Texans and Colts.
Starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert (concussion), defensive end Brett Keisel (not injury related), tight end Heath Miller (not injury related), safety Troy Polamalu (not injury related), safety Mike Mitchell (groin), safety Shamarko Thomas (hamstring), tight end Matt Spaeth (hamstring), and defensive tackle Stephen McLendon (shoulder) are all listed as probable and are expected to suit up tonight.
Fortunately, there aren't too many injuries, so the classic division matchup should be a good one. Since Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco's rookie year in 2008, Baltimore has won eight of the 15 total matchups, including five wins at Heinz Field. The Steelers will look to get revenge for the Ravens' 26-6 win in Week 2.
Tune in to NBC at 8:00 p.m. for coverage of Sunday Night Football.
