Joe Flacco thinks Ravens will be 'alright' despite receiver injuries
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will probably be without his top target against this visiting Browns this Sunday, but he thinks his offense can manage.
Flacco will likely take the field with Kamar Aiken, Marlon Brown, and sixth-round rookie Darren Waller as his top three receivers, thanks to a rash of injuries. Steve Smith Sr., who leads the team with 29 catches for 373 yards, is expected to be held out with microfractures in his back. Michael Campanaro is out for the season with the back injury he suffered in Pittsburgh, and tight end Crockett Gillmore (calf) is questionable.
“It’s just part of the league," Flacco said per the team's official website. "You’ve got to be able to adjust and deal with all that adversity. I think we’re going to be alright, but hopefully those guys get better.”
The Ravens relied heavily on the run game last Thursday after Smith went down late in the third quarter as Justin Forsett tallied 71 yards on 14 carries. Aiken had two receptions for 31 yards after Smith's departure while Waller and Brown caught one ball each.
“Obviously you guys can see what [Smith] does out there and what he presents for defenses,” Flacco said. “Not only for himself, but I think he opens things up for other guys. It will definitely be an adjustment for us and guys are going to step up.”
Flacco will also have a new face in Chris Givens, who Baltimore acquired over the weekend from St. Louis. Don't expect much of an impact from the fourth-year wideout. He had just one catch in three games for the Rams this season.
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