The Baltimore Ravens will be without one of their most important defensive players Thursday night, as starting cornerback Nate Wiggins has been ruled inactive for their Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium.
According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, Wiggins will miss Thursday Night Football after being listed as questionable with an illness and a stinger injury. The second-year cornerback did not participate in Wednesday's practice after initially appearing to be on track to play earlier in the week.
His absence creates another significant challenge for a Baltimore team already dealing with major injuries at quarterback and safety as it tries to snap a three-game losing streak.
The Ravens enter Thursday's game at 4-4 after
losing 36-10 to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
Inactives vs Jaguars pic.twitter.com/hCo4cKsDEl
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 5, 2026
Nate Wiggins inactive after missing Wednesday's practice
Wiggins had been progressing through the short practice week after suffering a stinger during Sunday's loss to Buffalo.
The former Clemson standout was listed as a full participant on Monday and Tuesday before an illness kept him out of Wednesday's session. Baltimore subsequently listed him as questionable, creating uncertainty about his availability against Jacksonville. That uncertainty ended with Thursday's inactive announcement, leaving the Ravens without one of their most important coverage defenders against a Jaguars offense led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Wiggins has become a key part of Baltimore's secondary because of his speed, length, and ability to match up against opposing wide receivers. His absence will force defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to adjust the cornerback rotation against a Jacksonville passing attack with multiple receiving threats.
The Jaguars feature Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington, giving Lawrence several options to test a depleted Baltimore secondary.
Ravens secondary faces difficult test against Trevor Lawrence
Wiggins' absence puts additional pressure on Baltimore's remaining defensive backs, particularly veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey and the team's other available coverage options.
The Ravens also entered Thursday's matchup without safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who was ruled out with a knee injury. Losing both Hawkins and Wiggins creates concerns about the secondary's ability to maintain coverage consistency and limit explosive passing plays.
Jacksonville enters the matchup with a 5-2 record after a dominant 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Lawrence has benefited from an offense that can attack defenses with multiple receiving combinations, putting more importance on Baltimore's coverage communication and pass rush.
The Ravens will need their remaining cornerbacks to hold up in individual matchups while their defensive front generates pressure and keeps Lawrence from operating comfortably in the pocket.
Baltimore's defensive performance has become increasingly important because of the uncertainty surrounding its offense.
Ravens face another setback before Thursday Night Football
Wiggins joins a growing list of important Ravens players unavailable against Jacksonville.
Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley were officially placed on injured reserve Thursday, leaving undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano to make his first NFL start. Baltimore also signed Austin Reed to the 53-man roster and elevated outside linebacker Adisa Isaac and kicker Jake Moody from the practice squad.
The injuries have significantly altered the Ravens' roster in a matter of days, with the team attempting to remain competitive in the AFC playoff race. For Baltimore, Wiggins' absence creates another obstacle against a Jacksonville team that enters Thursday night with momentum and a chance to strengthen its position in the conference. The Ravens will need their defense to compensate for the missing starters while finding a way to protect Fagnano and generate enough offense to end their losing streak.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens suffer major blow as Nate Wiggins ruled out vs. Jaguars
