Ravens vs. Browns Preview: Monken’s Return, Lamar Jackson’s Status and Keys to Sunday’s Game

The Ravens (4-1) visit the Browns (3-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS, and the storylines are crowded. Lamar Jackson is still day-to-day with a sprained ankle. Former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken coaches the other sideline. And it’s Baltimore’s first AFC North game of the season.

Here’s the injury picture, the matchups, and the keys to winning in Cleveland.

Where Things Stand With Lamar Jackson

Jackson hasn’t practiced since he sprained his left ankle on October 4, and he sat out Thursday too. That’s 11 days without a practice rep. Coach Jesse Minter has called him “definitely day-to-day” and said Jackson is working hard to get back.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Jackson has a “realistic chance” to play. Some reports describe him as questionable, and the team’s final designation comes Friday afternoon.

Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said Thursday that Jackson must prepare as if he’s playing so he doesn’t fall behind mentally, whether he starts or not. If Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley would make his second straight start. For a deeper look at that decision, read our Lamar Jackson injury update.

Ravens Injury Report: Thursday’s Key Notes

Here’s what Thursday’s practice report showed:

• Trey Hendrickson (finger): Full participant. He’s expected to return.
• Ja’Kobi Lane (wrist): Full participant, eligible to return from injured reserve.
• Cam Jurgens (concussion): Limited, in a red non-contact jersey as he finishes the protocol.
• Zay Flowers (toe) and Mike Green (hamstring): Added as limited participants.
• Rashod Bateman (shoulder), John Simpson (groin), Broderick Washington (ankle): Did not practice. Minter said he expects Bateman to play.

The Flowers and Green additions are worth watching. Both are important players, and Friday’s report will show how serious they are. For the full list, read our Ravens injury report.

The Monken Factor

Monken was the Ravens’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. In 2024, he directed the first Ravens team to throw for 4,000 yards and run for 3,000 in the same season. Now he’s a first-year head coach.

Minter called him a great offensive play caller and said he’s always felt that division games mean a little more. It’s Minter’s first division game as a head coach.

This section is our take. Familiarity cuts both ways. Monken knows Baltimore’s players and culture, but he has never faced Minter’s defense, and Doyle’s offense is new to him too. Neither side can rely on old scouting reports.

What Cleveland Does Well, and What It Doesn’t

Quarterback Deshaun Watson leads a Browns offense that ranks 26th in passing and 21st in rushing, at 94.2 yards per game. Watson was sacked eight times in last week’s 17-12 loss to the Jets. Cleveland has allowed 19 sacks this season and committed 49 penalties, both league highs, according to Squawka.

In both of the Browns’ losses, the running game has struggled, producing 87 yards against Jacksonville and 96 against the Jets. Running back Quinshon Judkins leads the ground game, and his health is worth watching. Dillon Gabriel is on injured reserve, and Shedeur Sanders is the backup.

That’s a lot of pressure points, and the Ravens have the tools to exploit them.

Three Keys for the Ravens

1. Pressure Watson. With Hendrickson back and Green emerging, Baltimore’s pass rush has a real chance against the league’s most-sacked line. If the Ravens get home early, Cleveland’s offense could stall.

2. Fix the third-down defense. The Falcons converted 9 of 17 third downs last week, and Minter called third down a major focus. The Browns offense isn’t scary, but a defense that lets teams extend drives can still get punished. Baltimore ranked 12th against the run entering Week 6, allowing 102.0 yards per game, so stopping Judkins on early downs is part of the same plan.

3. Protect the quarterback, whoever it is. A healthy Jurgens would stabilize the middle of the line. If he plays, rookie Vega Ioane moves back to right guard. For the backstory, read our Cam Jurgens physical article.

Jackson or Huntley: What Each Means for the Game

If Jackson plays, the Ravens get their full offense back. His running threat pulls defenders out of position and opens lanes for Derrick Henry.

If Huntley starts, the game likely stays low-scoring and physical. He just led a comeback in Atlanta, and he’s 6-6 as a Ravens starter with three straight wins. The offense ran for 208 yards in that game, and Baltimore can lean on the same plan against a Browns defense that has more questions than answers. For the full story, read our Ravens vs. Falcons recap.

Our Prediction

This is our take, and it isn’t a guarantee.

We lean Ravens in a tight, physical game. Cleveland’s sack and penalty numbers are a bad sign for a team that needs to protect Watson and avoid mistakes. And Baltimore has a clear plan on both sides of the ball.

Still, divisional games are unpredictable, and the Browns are playing at home. A turnover or two could decide it.

What to Watch on Sunday

• Friday’s final injury designations. Jackson, Flowers, Green, and Bateman are the key names.
• The inactives list. It posts about 90 minutes before kickoff.
• Baltimore’s pass rush. Does Hendrickson make an immediate impact?
• Third downs. Can the defense get off the field?
• Jurgens’ debut. Does he play, and how does the line look?

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do the Ravens play today?

The Ravens play the Browns on Sunday, October 18, at 1 p.m. ET at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. The game is on CBS.

Is Lamar Jackson playing against the Browns?

It’s not confirmed. Jackson has not practiced since October 4, and Minter calls him day-to-day. Schefter reported a realistic chance he returns, and the team’s final designation comes Friday.

Who is the Browns’ quarterback?

Deshaun Watson. Shedeur Sanders is the backup, and Dillon Gabriel is on injured reserve.

Why is Todd Monken important in this game?

Monken was the Ravens’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons and is now the Browns’ head coach.

Who do the Ravens play next after the Browns?

The Ravens host the Bengals on October 25, visit the Bills on November 1, and host the Jaguars on Thursday, November 5.

Final Thoughts

The Ravens vs. Browns game has everything: a division rivalry, a former coordinator, and a quarterback question. Baltimore has the plan and the depth to win either way.

What do you think? Does Jackson play, and do the Ravens win in Cleveland? Drop your take in the comments, and check back after Friday’s injury report for the latest Ravens news and updates.