Pair of Ravens stars ruled out with injury Sunday against Bengals

Running back Latavius Murray and receiver Sammy Watkins will miss the Ravens game against the Bengals on Sunday because of injury. Murray is battling an ankle ailment, while Watkins hurt his thigh.

Watkins missed Week 6 against the Chargers as well, while Murray finished that game with 11 carries for 56 yards. The Ravens have a bye in Week 8, so each player will have a couple of weeks to return to full health.

Baltimore will likely turn to a trio of running backs with Murray out. Devonta Freeman, Le’Veon Bell and Ty’Son Williams all figure to play Sunday. Rookie receiver Rashod Bateman will attempt to make up for Watson’s absence. He made his NFL debut in Week 6, securing four catches for 29 yards.

Center Bradley Bozeman (back), left tackle Alejandro Villanueva (knee), cornerback Tavon Young (knee) and linebacker Patrick Queen (thigh) are questionable for Sunday’s game. Bozeman, Queen and Villanueva were limited in Friday’s practice, while Young was a full participant.

The Ravens currently sit in the lead in he AFC North at 5-1, while Cincinnati is in second place at 4-2. If the Bengals win, they can take the division lead.

Second-year quarterback Joe Burrow is putting together a respectable season in Cincinnati. He has so far thrown for 1,540 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing more than 70% of his passes. The Bengals have not made the playoffs since 2015, but Burrow is giving them a chance to change that.

Even though the injury bug has bitten a couple of key Ravens, the Bengals will still have to contend with one of the best players in the NFL in Lamar Jackson. He leads the team in both passing and rushing yards on the year. Both of his top targets are healthy as well in Marquise Brown and tight end Mark Andrews.

Look for a close game in this one with both teams battling for a chance to separate themselves in the division.