NFL
Will Marlon Humphrey play for the Ravens against the Chiefs? What role could he have?
Humphrey has been forced to miss Baltimore’s last two games due to injury and was listed as questionable for the AFC Championship Game.
The Baltimore Ravens are one game away from to reaching Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, but they will have to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, last year’s winners, in the AFC Championship Game to get there. Although the general feeling is Andy Reid’s team aren’t as good as they were just 12 months, they will clearly provide a stern test for the Ravens, who will be boosted by the return of a key defensive figure as they look to stop Patrick Mahomes and Co.
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What injury has Humphrey been carrying?
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey was listed as questionable on the NFL “Championship Sunday” injury report issued on Saturday following Friday practice, he which he participated fully. The 27-year-old didn’t feature in either of his team’s last two games - against the Texans and the Steelers - because of a calf injury.
Ravens cornerback available but may play rotational role
The most recent reports claim Humphrey will be fit to make his return to action against Kansas City, although senior ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler says he could take up a rotational role following his fitness issues.
The University of Alabama graduate played in 10 of 17 games during the regular season, which he finished with 26 tackles, five passes defended and a single interception. Before suffering his injury, he allowed 21 receptions on 45 targets for 275 yards, one touchdown, and a 64.6 passer rating allowed in coverage.
Ronald Darby has started in his absence and put in a fine performance in the Divisional Round against the Texans, recording three tackles and two passes defended and allowing just two catches for 28 yards on four targets in his team’s comfortable 34-10 victory at M&T Bank Stadium. If Humphrey does indeed be used in a rotation role, Darby could again find himself in the limelight.
Baltimore’s impressive defense ready for Mahomes
The Ravens finished the regular season with the sixth best defense in terms of yards allowed (3,263), which could make life difficult for the Chiefs’ offense, led by Mahomes.
In addition, Baltimore have only allowed one quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards all season - Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, who managed 308 in Week 16. Mahomes, meanwhile, has surpassed the 300 yard-mark four times (against the Chargers, Broncos, Patriots and Jaguars), with the Chiefs winning on each occasion.
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