Ravens Confident in Cornerback Depth Despite Injuries

The Ravens addressed their cornerback depth in the offseason, and they may need it during Sunday’s home opener against the Dolphins.

Marcus Peters (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday for the first time this season, but he hasn’t played in more than a year and it remains to be seen whether he will suit up Sunday. Second-year corner Brandon Stephens (quad) didn’t practice Thursday, Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey (groin) was limited, while veteran corner Kyle Fuller suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 1.

The Ravens drafted two cornerbacks in the fourth round, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Pepe Williams, and both could see their playing increase Sunday against the Jets. Regardless of who’s in the lineup, Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald is confident Baltimore has enough secondary depth to play well.

“The thing with our team is that we’re flexible enough back there where no matter what happens, we feel like we’re going to end up in a good spot, and guys can play different positions,” Macdonald said. “When you’re making a gameplan, you can’t put all your eggs in one basket, and that goes for all the positions.”

The Ravens were decimated by injuries at cornerback last season, but Williams played 13 snaps on defense in Week 1 while Armour-Davis played three, and both contributed on special teams. The speed of Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle puts extra stress on a secondary, which can force coverage mistakes. However, Macdonald like the way the Baltimore’s secondary communicated against the Jets.

“The thing that I’m most pleased with is the sense of urgency from our guys about communication,” Macdonald said. “Not that it wasn’t there, but it really feels like the most buy-in we’ve felt to make calls since we got here over the last couple weeks. That’s something that we’re definitely harping on. You always hear the saying, ‘A loud defense is a good defense,’ and that’s what we’re trying to be.”