Will the Baltimore Ravens have any healthy running backs for their season opener on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders?
The question may be a bit of hyperbole, but it's rooted in truth — the Ravens' running game has been decimated by injuries as J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have all suffered season-ending injuries. That forced Baltimore to sign four running backs in a three-day period, only two of whom have had more than two practices with the team a day prior to kickoff.
It's hardly an ideal situation for a team with a quarterback in Lamar Jackson who loves to use his RBs to enhance his own formidable running game, often deciding at literally the last second whether to hand the ball off or keep it himself. Without an established rapport with his RBs, Jackson's decision-making could be altered considerably for the foreseeable future as chemistry is established.
None of that will matter to a Raiders team aiming to start the season with a victory in front of their home fans for the first time. While Vegas isn't dealing with a injury crisis to the extent that the Raiders are, the home side will still be without a notable piece as guard Richie Incognito has missed out on practice all week long and thus will not play in the Monday nighter.
"I think there's a good chance he'll play in the next game," Raiders head coach Jon Gruden told reporters on Saturday. "In the time being, we'll let him get well and hope for the best."
As noted, the Raiders will finally get to play in front of fans at Allegiant Stadium after COVID-19 restrictions forced the team to complete its first season in Sin City behind closed doors. In many ways, this is the real homecoming for a team that uprooted from Oakland last year.
“Coming into this one, you’re talking about being in a new city for the first time (with) a big-time opponent on Monday night, so I’m expecting an environment that I’ve never really been in before,” tight end Darren Waller said, as quoted by The Athletic. “But I’m seeing it in a positive way and knowing it’ll be fun to have that energy behind you, lifting you up a little bit. I’m excited about it.”
Here's more info about Monday's matchup, plus everything to know about how to watch "Monday Night Football."
Who plays on "Monday Night Football" this week?
- Matchup: Ravens vs. Raiders
- Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 9-3-0.
What time is the Ravens vs. Raiders game?
- Date: Monday, September 13
- Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. ET
The 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff time is standard for Monday night games.
How to watch "Monday Night Football" in Canada: TV, live stream
- TV channel: CTV2, TSN
- Live stream: DAZN
Ravens vs. Raiders — like every NFL game during the 2021 season — is available on DAZN Canada.
DAZN Canada is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass, with access to every regular-season NFL game (including Monday, Thursday, Sunday afternoon via NFL Sunday Ticket, and Sunday night games) and every playoff matchup. Each game is available live and on demand.
DAZN Canada is also where NFL fans can watch RedZone — every touchdown, every game, every Sunday.
The "Sunday Night Football" game between the Ravens vs. Raiders is also available on CTV2 and TSN.
How to stream Ravens vs. Raiders for free
In Canada, DAZN offers new customers a 30-day free trial period. You can learn how to sign up for a free trial here.
The free-trial period would include the Ravens vs. Raiders, plus access to all of DAZN's live and on-demand programming, which includes not only NFL games but Premier League, Champions League and more.