Ravens Face Bengals with Key Players Missing in Week 13

Baltimore, MD — The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a vital Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium this Thanksgiving. However, the team will be without five key players for the game.

Quarterback Cooper Rush, wide receiver Tylan Wallace, guard Ben Cleveland, tackle Carson Vinson, and outside linebacker David Ojabo have all been ruled inactive. Although Rush remains listed in the inactives, he is the emergency third quarterback, which means he could still play if both starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley face injury, illness, or ejection during the game.

This marks the fifth time Rush has served as the emergency quarterback. He stepped in for Jackson after the starter suffered an injury during a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, completing 9-of-13 passes for 52 yards. However, Rush struggled in his subsequent starts, throwing three interceptions against the Houston Texans and managing only 72 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers, leading to his benching.

Tylan Wallace’s absence from the lineup is particularly notable, as this is the first time he has been inactive in two years. New wide receiver Walker secured the fifth spot on the roster in Wallace’s absence, following Rashod Bateman‘s return from an injury. Walker made a significant 30-yard catch during the Ravens’ 23-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 12.

Ben Cleveland, who played in the first ten games of the season, has also been a healthy scratch for consecutive weeks. Meanwhile, Vinson will miss the game after participating in previous victories against the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings.

In Cleveland’s place, the Ravens have opted to start rookie guard, who they drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft from LSU. David Ojabo, who was involved in nine games for the Ravens with 10 tackles and two quarterback hits, will also not play as Carl Lawson takes over his responsibilities as a pass rusher.

The Ravens are in a critical position as they prepare to face the Bengals and aim to secure a playoff spot.