Ravens news: Baltimore will be without at least 23 players for Steelers game

The Baltimore Ravens have 23 players on their COVID-19 list for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is absolutely nuts.

To say the Baltimore Ravens will be shorthanded for their Wednesday showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers would be a drastic understatement.

The Ravens will in fact be without at least 23 players heading into this Week 12 matchup, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. These include starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins, tight end Mark Andrews and pass rushers like Calais Campbell, Matt Judon and Pernell McPhee, among others.

Here's the full list:

Ravens' updated COVID list:

QB: Jackson, McSorley
RB: Ingram, Dobbins
FB: Ricard
TE: Andrews
WR: Snead
OL: Skura, Mekari, Fluker, Holden
DL: Campbell, Williams, Madubuike, Ward, Washington
OLB: Judon, McPhee, Ferguson
CB: Marshall (IR), Dorsey (IR), Young (IR)
ST: Cox

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 29, 2020

It probably goes without saying the Ravens have countered with a “record number” of COVID-19 replacements:

A record number of COVID replacements. https://t.co/FA0CFXxcE6

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 2, 2020

Baltimore's COVID-19 outbreak has had a devastating impact on the roster. It has also forced the NFL's hand in terms of scheduling.

The Ravens and Steelers were originally scheduled to play on Thanksgiving, but the game has since been postponed multiple times due to additional positives over time. There was even some concern Ravens players would refuse to play the game at all.

Baltimore will indeed take the field, but it could be ugly for them in this pivotal showdown with their AFC North rival.

Robert Griffin III will be pressed into starting duty against the same defense that gave Jackson nightmares and forced four turnovers in the Week 8 contest between the two teams. Meanwhile, Gus Edwards suddenly finds himself as the feature back after merely being one part of a three-headed monster for the majority of the season.

But the defensive absences could have the larger impact. Campbell, Judon and McPhee are the Ravens' top rushers. The secondary could have a hard time limiting the Steelers' dynamic passing game if Ben Roethlisberger has all day.

In any case, the Baltimore Ravens have their backs against the wall.