Steelers

Jacoby Jones may have sat out Wednesday's practice because of an ankle injury, but the Ravens wide receiver said there's no question that he will be available for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I'm playing,” Jones said before Thursday's session. “I'll be on the field.” Jones, the offense's next wideout option after starters Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, said his ankle injury was not serious. “Just a bruise,” he said. “When you get something like that, there's just a little soreness that you need to get out. I'm ready to roll though.” The Ravens could lessen Jones' workload by reducing his role on returns.

The Ravens have not budged from their contention that no matter which Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback lines up under center Sunday, they are preparing to defend the offense, not the quarterback. The identity of that quarterback is still unknown, but Ben Roethlisberger is scheduled to increase his workload at Wednesday's practice. That doesn't mean that Roethlisberger has been cleared to play after suffering dislocated ribs and a sprained right throwing shoulder in the Steelers' 16-13 overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 12. In fact, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Charlie Batch is still the starter.

The great sports rivalries give you all the passion of a street fight without that messy business of chains, knives and police interrogations afterward. All these emotions come bubbling to the surface: rage, pride, joy, bitterness, etc. And there's no better rivalry anywhere than the Ravens vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. Usually, it feels like the Hatfields vs. the McCoys, the Corleones vs. the Tattaglias and Ali vs. Frazier all rolled into one. Except . . . somehow Sunday's game between the two at M&T Bank Stadium feels different this time around.

Every week, I hope to bring you a quick Q&A with someone who covers the Ravens' opponent that week. This week, I chatted with Alan Robinson, who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers for The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. MV: What is status of the injury situation at quarterback for the Steelers, and I know it's early, but who do you expect to start Sunday? Might Ben Roethlisberger make one of his dramatic returns ? AR: Mike Tomlin says they're preparing Charlie Batch to start.

Every morning, Monday through Friday, blogger Matt Vensel will hook you up with reading material -- mostly on the Ravens but with some other Baltimore sports stuff, too -- to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday. That way he'll have an excuse to do the same to start his workday, too. RUNNING IT BACK Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday that linebacker Ray Lewis, who is eligible to practice as soon as Thursday , could return to the team earlier than expected.

The Ravens aren't done catching breaks, not by a long shot. Now they get to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium at the perfect time, when their archrivals are beaten up and reeling from two straight losses, including that 20-14 horror show against the Cleveland Browns two days ago. Tell me they're not living right over at the Castle these days. Ben Roethlisberger is still hurting from his shoulder and rib injuries, although he says he's going to try to play against the Ravens.

Ravens 16, Chargers 13 (OT) Strategy: Cam Cameron heavily utilized the shotgun formation, 51 times overall with 42 during regulation. This plays to Joe Flacco's strengths, allowing him to see the field and get the football out of his hands despite suspect pass blocking. The no-huddle has been scrapped on the road, and wasn't used once in San Diego. A steady diet of intermediate throws with the occasional timely deep shot paid dividends. There were no complaints about Ray Rice's workload: 22 rushes for 97 yards and eight catches on nine targets for 67 yards.

The Steelers lost here to a really bad Cleveland Browns team on a frigid December Thursday night in 2009. It was their fifth consecutive defeat and left them with a 6-7 record. Nose tackle Casey Hampton put their playoff chances into perspective. "This [bleep's] a wrap. " It's fair to wonder if the Steelers are at that point again after another loss here Sunday to a really bad Browns team. Hampton was right in '09. The Steelers missed the playoffs despite winning their final three games.

The NFL should be ashamed of itself for suspending Ravens safety Ed Reed for a game because of his hit on Pittsburgh receiver Emmanuel Sanders in the third quarter of Sunday night's game. It's one thing to fine a guy several thousand dollars, but another when you start taking away game checks. That's when you start messing with his livelihood and his family. The NFL has crossed the line. I could see if Reed was another James Harrison, the Steelers' outside linebacker who intentionally tries to hurt players.

Ravens 13, Steelers 10 Strategy: Cam Cameron tried a rock 'em sock 'em approach to keep the Steelers honest and make them respect play-action, but Ray Rice was stonewalled by an aggressive, top-ranked defense. The Ravens didn't try to run in short-yardage situations because stocky nose guard Casey Hampton is practically immovable inside. The Ravens utilized bunch formations and didn't lack for deep shots, albeit errant ones. Ball security was huge with no turnovers committed despite some near interceptions by Joe Flacco.