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          NFL Nation

          John Harbaugh: 'I'm not a doctor, but I play one in press conferences'

          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterOct 9, 2017, 01:30 PM
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              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
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          OAKLAND, Calif. -- John Harbaugh couldn't provide an update on running back Terrance West, the latest Baltimore Ravens player to get injured. The coach did, however, deliver his funniest line of the season.

          "I'm not a doctor, but I play one in press conferences," Harbaugh said.

          It's a lighthearted sentiment that drew laughs in the Ravens locker room before Harbaugh said it to reporters after Sunday's 30-17 win over the Oakland Raiders. What isn't a laughing matter is Baltimore's increasing injury list.

          In what has been a familiar scene, the Ravens watched three players leave Sunday's game and not return.

          West injured his left calf on the opening drive after getting the start and running for 17 yards on two carries. This comes after the Ravens already had lost running back Kenneth Dixon (knee) for the season. Baltimore will rely on Buck Allen, who had 73 yards rushing and one touchdown on Sunday, and Alex Collins (55 yards).

          Later in the first quarter, Carl Davis hurt his hamstring on the defense's second series. Davis was starting at defensive tackle for Brandon Williams, who has missed the past three games with a foot injury. The depth on the defensive line, which was Baltimore's deepest position, is being tested.

          And in the third quarter, right guard Matt Skura left with a sprained knee. The Ravens already have lost four interior offensive linemen this year: Marshal Yanda (ankle), Alex Lewis (shoulder), John Urschel (retirement) and Nico Siragusa (knee). Rookie fifth-round pick Jermaine Eluemunor replaces Skura, who was replacing Yanda. It's next, next, next man up.

          Injuries have played a major factor in the Ravens' season, and it's just five weeks in. Baltimore has placed 16 players on injured reserve, and it's unknown whether that list will grow until we hear back from Dr. Harbaugh.