BALTIMORE -- Tight end Jermaine Gresham is not active but running back Giovani Bernard is and is expected to play this afternoon as the Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Both were listed as questionable (50 percent chance of playing) on Friday's injury report; Greshman with a sore groin and Bernard with bruised ribs. Gresham did not practice Thursday or Friday, while Bernard was limited in practice throughout the week.
The Bengals will be without linebackers Rey Maualuga (knee) and Michael Boley (hamstring), defensive lineman Devon Still (elbow), cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris, offensive linemen Trevor Robinson and Tanner Hawkinson besides Gresham. Rookie running back Rex Burkhead is active for the first time this season, a sign that the Bengals want to be prepared in case Bernard can't go at some point. They also have all seven wide receivers active for the second straight game.
Gresham warmed up during pre-game, including running 100-yard sprints and running routes and catching passes but it was deemed he was not ready to play a full game. Alex Smith is expected to start in his place. Rookie Tyler Eifert is already listed as a starter in the second tight end spot. Vinny Rey is expected to start at middle linebacker in place of Maualuga for the second game in a row.
The Bengals are 6-3 and own first place in the AFC North, 2 1/2 games ahead of Baltimore (3-5). The Ravens are in third place behind Cleveland (4-5). The Browns have a bye this week and will play the Bengals in Cincinnati next Sunday.
The Ravens inactives are: cornerback Asa Jackson, safety Omar Brown, running back and former Bengal Bernard Scott, center Ryan Jensen, wide receiver Brandon Stokely, linebacker John Simon and defensive tackle Brandon Williams.
