OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Last Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens wide receivers had trouble catching the ball. This week, the challenge for the Ravens is finding enough healthy receivers to catch the ball.
On Thursday, Baltimore was down to three healthy receivers: Michael Campanaro, Chris Moore and newly signed Griff Whalen.
The Ravens' wide receivers have been ineffective most of the season, and their top three wide receivers are now on the injury report. Mike Wallace (back) didn't practice after being limited on Wednesday. Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) is wearing a red jersey, which signifies no contact, for the second straight day. Breshad Perriman hasn't been on the field since entering the concussion protocol last Sunday.
Plus, wide receiver and special teams standout Chris Matthews has been added to the injury report after sitting out Thursday with an undisclosed injury.
All of these injuries prompted the Ravens to bring back Whalen, who caught four passes for 32 yards in the preseason.
Beyond injuries, Baltimore's wide receivers have become a concern because of their struggles catching the ball. The Ravens dropped five passes in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears. That was the most in the league last week.
Through six weeks, the Ravens' receivers rank No. 30 in receiving yards (553), No. 29 in receptions (50) and No. 23 in touchdown catches (three).
It would still be surprising to see Wallace miss his return to Minnesota on Sunday. He's only been sidelined once in his nine-year career, playing in 70 straight games.
Baltimore had 10 players not practicing: Wallace (back), Perriman (concussion), Matthews (undisclosed); tight ends Ben Watson (calf) and Maxx Williams (ankle); running back Terrance West (calf); cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (Achilles) and Lardarius Webb (undisclosed); offensive lineman Matt Skura (knee); and linebacker Tim Williams (hamstring).
Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley (undisclosed) also wore a red jersey in practice.
