The Baltimore Ravens will have a significantly different lineup Thursday night when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore enters Week 9 at 4-4 after three straight losses, including Sunday's 36-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills
. Injuries have created major changes at quarterback and in the secondary, and the Ravens also expect an important starter to return along their offensive line.Head coach Jesse Minter will rely on several inexperienced players as Baltimore attempts to end its losing streak against a Jacksonville team entering Thursday at 5-2.
Here are five takeaways from the Ravens' Week 9 depth chart.
Key Week 9 positions
1. Joe Fagnano takes over as Baltimore's starting quarterback
Fagnano will make his first career NFL start after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. The undrafted rookie
completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards and threw an interception against Buffalo after replacing Huntley in the second quarter. Baltimore has since added Kedon Slovis to its active roster and Austin Reed to the practice squad.
The Ravens are also reportedly finalizing a trade for Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett, although that deal is not expected to be completed until after Thursday's matchup.
For now, Fagnano must direct an offense that needs improved production.
2. Vega Ioane's expected return could stabilize the offensive line
The Ravens received encouraging injury news Wednesday when rookie right guard Vega Ioane cleared the final injury report. Ioane missed Sunday's loss to Buffalo with a knee injury but participated fully in Baltimore's final two practices.
His expected return would give Fagnano an important blocker while helping the Ravens establish their rushing attack. Ronnie Stanley, John Simpson, and Roger Rosengarten also cleared the injury report, adding stability along the offensive front. With Jacksonville's talented defensive front, Baltimore must prevent pressure from disrupting Fagnano's first start.
3. Derrick Henry becomes the centerpiece of the offense
Henry has rushed for 632 yards and eight touchdowns through eight games, remaining one of Baltimore's most important offensive weapons. With Jackson unavailable, the Ravens could place even greater emphasis on their rushing attack. Justice Hill provides another option out of the backfield, while Rasheen Ali offers additional depth.
Baltimore must find ways to keep Fagnano out of obvious passing situations, making productive early-down runs especially important. Jacksonville enters Thursday allowing an NFL-low 77.4 rushing yards per game, creating a difficult matchup for Henry and the offensive line.
4. Nate Wiggins and Jaylinn Hawkins create secondary concerns
Baltimore could be without two important members of its secondary against Trevor Lawrence. Wiggins is questionable because of a stinger and illness after missing Wednesday's practice. Hawkins has already been ruled out with a knee injury, forcing the Ravens to consider adjustments at safety.
T.J. Tampa is listed behind Wiggins on Baltimore's depth chart and could get additional opportunities if the starter is unavailable. Keondre Jackson could also take on a larger role with Hawkins sidelined.
The Ravens will need effective communication and disciplined coverage against Jacksonville's passing attack.
5. Special teams will have a different look with Jake Moody
Baltimore's injury problems have also affected special teams. Rookie kicker Tyler Loop suffered a groin injury against Buffalo and was placed on injured reserve, creating an opportunity for Jake Moody. The former San Francisco 49ers kicker will be responsible for providing stability in a game where Baltimore could struggle to consistently generate touchdowns.
Field position and special teams execution will be especially important with an inexperienced quarterback starting.
The Ravens must protect the football, avoid unnecessary penalties, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Baltimore's Week 9 lineup presents several challenges, but the expected return of Ioane and the presence of established veterans such as Henry, Stanley, Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton provide some stability. The Ravens will need those players to perform at a high level as Fagnano attempts to guide Baltimore to its first victory in nearly a month.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens Week 9 depth chart: Five takeaways ahead of Jaguars game
