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Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer
CLEVELAND — The NFL’s worst-ranked pass defense has a major issue at cornerback.
The Baltimore Ravens downgraded rookie first-round pick Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness) to out on Saturday, which means a struggling defense will be even more thin at cornerback for Sunday’s game at the Cleveland Browns.
Wiggins was expected to start in place of Marlon Humphrey, the team’s interceptions leader who is doubtful because of a knee injury.
The Ravens are now expected to start Jalyn Armour-Davis, who was activated off injured reserve Saturday, alongside two-year starter Brandon Stephens. Armour-Davis, who has two career starts in three seasons, sat out the past four games because of a hamstring injury.
Baltimore (5-2) has won five straight games on the strength of quarterback Lamar Jackson and the NFL’s top-ranked offense. The Ravens have had problems on defense, giving up a league-high 287.1 yards passing per game. Baltimore has allowed three of the past five opposing quarterbacks to throw for more than 300 yards, including Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield (370 yards) on Monday night.
Humphrey injured his knee Monday after he made his fourth interception of the season, which ranks second in the NFL. He did not practice all week.
The Ravens were going to turn to Wiggins, the 30th overall pick in this year’s draft. But Wiggins, who was originally listed as questionable Friday, was ruled out Saturday when it was decided he would not make the trip to Cleveland.
Baltimore will be facing quarterback Jameis Winston, who is making his first start for the Browns. Starter Deshaun Watson sustained a season-ending Achilles injury this past Sunday.