The Baltimore Ravens could be without one of their most important defensive players Thursday night, as starting cornerback Nate Wiggins is questionable for their Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Baltimore released its final injury report Wednesday, listing Wiggins as questionable because of a stinger and illness. The second-year cornerback did not practice Wednesday after participating fully during Monday's and Tuesday's sessions, creating uncertainty about his availability against Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville's passing attack.
The Ravens received more encouraging news along the offensive line, with rookie right guard Vega Ioane clearing the injury report after missing Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills because of a knee
injury.
Ioane participated fully in Tuesday's and Wednesday's practices and does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's game.
Nate Wiggins' status creates concern for Ravens secondary
Wiggins has emerged as one of Baltimore's most important defensive backs, giving the Ravens a talented coverage option against opposing teams' top receivers.
The former Clemson standout suffered a stinger during Sunday's loss to Buffalo and was forced to leave the game. Although he participated fully in Baltimore's first two practices of the short week, his absence Wednesday creates additional concern.
His availability is especially important because Jacksonville has multiple receiving threats capable of challenging Baltimore's secondary.
The Ravens will already be without safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who has been ruled out because of a knee injury after missing all three practices.
If Wiggins cannot play, Baltimore could need increased contributions from its remaining cornerbacks, including T.J. Tampa, as defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver adjusts his coverage assignments.
Vega Ioane cleared to return against Jacksonville
Baltimore received a significant boost with Ioane's removal from the injury report.
The rookie first-round pick missed the Buffalo game after suffering an MCL sprain, creating another challenge for a Ravens offensive line that has dealt with multiple injuries.
Ioane was limited Monday before participating fully in the final two practices, putting him in position to return to his starting right guard role.
His expected availability comes at an important time for Baltimore, which will start undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano against Jacksonville.
Fagnano has also cleared the injury report after dealing with an ankle injury suffered against Buffalo.
The Ravens need improved protection and a productive running game to help their inexperienced quarterback, making Ioane's potential return particularly valuable.
Ravens rule out three players, list Adam Randall questionable
Baltimore has ruled out quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, along with Hawkins.
Jackson is dealing with a right thumb injury that requires surgery, while Huntley's season is over because of a turf toe injury.
Running back Adam Randall is questionable because of a neck injury. Randall has been designated to return from injured reserve and participated fully throughout the week, but he must be activated before he can play.
The Ravens enter Thursday's game at 4-4 after three consecutive losses, making the availability of Wiggins and the expected return of Ioane significant developments before an important AFC matchup.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens injury report: Nate Wiggins is questionable, Vega Ioane to play
