Ravens left tackle Jared Gaither will miss his second consecutive game this weekend against the Chicago Bears, and it’s looking like one of the Bears’ top playmakers may be held out, as well.
Gaither is dealing with a foot injury and a sore lower back, but the Ravens held out hope that he could recover.
“I would say optimistic, not for sure,” head coach John Harbaugh said Monday at his weekly news conference. “Jared has some lower back pain. He can go, it’s just a matter of how effective he can be.”
After not practicing all week, Gaither was officially listed as out on the final injury report.
Without Gaither last week against the Detroit Lions, the Ravens started Michael Oher at left tackle and Oniel Cousins at right. That unit helped Baltimore amass 308 rushing yards and held the Lions to no sacks.
Meanwhile, Chicago receiver and returner Devin Hester (calf) is doubtful. Like Gaither, Hester, the team’s leader with 54 receptions for 682 yards, has not been able to practice.
In preparation for their upcoming opponent, however, the Ravens proceeded as usual with the thought that Hester would play.
“We’re preparing to face Devin Hester, but we also know who the backups are,” Harbaugh said. “So, the different guys that play in his different positions, we’ve prepared for those guys also.”
Ravens receiver Mark Clayton is listed as doubtful for Sunday after he was held out of all three practices.
Clayton said he was able to run on Friday, which marked a step in the right direction.
“I’ve seen improvements, so I’m excited with the practices we had, especially this week, being able to run today,” Clayton said. “It’s one day at a time, and hopefully we’ll be back. It’s a combination of things on the same leg in a tough area. Everything will be alright and work itself out. Hopefully, I’ll be able to help us win further down the line.”
Wideout Kelley Washington (ankle), linebacker Tavares Gooden (groin), linebacker Jarret Johnson (knee/back), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (ankle), safety Ed Reed (groin/foot), tight end L.J. Smith (ankle) and safety K.J. Gerard (thigh) are all questionable, and defensive tackle Brandon McKinney (back) is out.
In addition, linebacker Terrell Suggs (knee) and center Matt Birk (neck) are probable.
For the Bears, wideout Devin Hester (calf) is doubtful, while cornerback Zach Bowman (illness), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), offensive tackle Orlando Pace (groin), cornerback Charles Tillman (back) and linebacker Jamar Williams (ankle) are all questionable.
