The 2024 NFL season opener will feature loads of star power on both the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, a rematch of last season’s AFC title game.
While both teams are bound to have most of their players active at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, not everyone could play. Time to dive into the inactive list before unveiling the likely starters ahead of the much-anticipated showdown of Super Bowl contenders.
READ THIS | Ravens at Chiefs: Everything You Need to Know
Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs Inactives
Ravens Designated as Out
- OG Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
- S Beau Brade
- LB Adisa Isaac
- C Nick Samac
- CB T.J. Tampa
- DE Brent Urban
- WR Devontez Walker
Chiefs Designated as Out
- OT Ethan Driskell
- OL CJ Hanson
- DT Marlon Tuipulotu
- WR Hollywood Brown
- TE Peyton Hendershot
Latest Injury Report News and Updates
Baltimore fans will have to await the presence of third-round rookie Adisa Isaac.
The linebacker out of Penn State is dealing with a hamstring injury and was officially ruled out on Wednesday. The 22-year-old was brought in to add motor to an already revved-up Ravens defense that’s ranked inside the top 10 in yards allowed the last two seasons.
While Isaac is a scratch, fellow rookie Rasheen Ali is listed as doubtful. The fifth-round running back selection from April’s NFL Draft was brought in to help potentially spell free agent addition Derrick Henry. The first-year pro out of Marshall, though, is dealing with a neck ailment.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, one of the Chiefs’ top free agent additions, injured his shoulder on the first offensive possession of Kansas City’s opening preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars a month ago. He’s not going to be in the huddle with the champs because of his ailment. Meanwhile, multiple other Chiefs are dealing with the injury bug.
Star defensive lineman Chris Jones is dealing with a shoulder injury; his status is still to be determined for Thursday. Reserve cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams are both nursing hamstring injuries. Their statuses ahead of the opener are to be determined as well.
Wanya Morris and Joe Thuney are two more notable injured players for K.C. — the offensive linemen are dealing with knee and pectoral issues, respectively.
Who Comprises the Projected Starting Lineup for Each Team?
Ravens Projected Starters
The projected starting lineup is based on the current Ravens depth chart.
- Quarterback: Lamar Jackson
- Running Back: Derrick Henry
- Wide Receiver: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman
- Tight End: Mark Andrews
- Left Offensive Tackle: Ronnie Stanley
- Left Offensive Guard: Andrew Vorhees
- Center: Tyler Linderbaum
- Right Offensive Guard: Daniel Faalele
- Right Offensive Tackle: Roger Rosengarten
- Defensive End: Broderick Washington
- Defensive Tackle: Nnamdi Madubuike
- Nose Tackle: Michael Pierce
- Left Inside Linebacker: Roquan Smith
- Left Outside Linebacker: Odafe Oweh
- Right Inside Linebacker: Trenton Simpson
- Right Outside Linebacker: Kyle Van Noy
- Left Cornerback: Marlon Humphrey
- Right Cornerback: Brandon Stephens
- Free Safety: Marcus Williams
- Strong Safety: Kyle Hamilton
- Kicker: Justin Tucker
- Punter: Jordan Stout
- Long Snapper: Nick Moore
- Kickoff/Punt Returner: Deonte Harty
Chiefs Projected Starters
The projected starting lineup is based on the current Chiefs depth chart.
- Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes
- Running Back: Isiah Pacheco
- Wide Receiver: Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, Xavier Worthy
- Tight End: Travis Kelce
- Left Offensive Tackle: Wanya Morris or Ethan Driskell
- Left Offensive Guard: Joe Thuney or Mike Caliendo
- Center: Creed Humphrey
- Right Offensive Guard: Trey Smith
- Right Offensive Tackle: Jawaan Taylor
- Left Defensive End: George Karlaftis
- Left Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones or Mike Pennel
- Right Defensive Tackle: Derrick Nnadi
- Right Defensive End: Mike Danna
- Strongside Linebacker: Drue Tranquill
- Middle Linebacker: Nick Bolton
- Weakside Linebacker: Leo Chenal
- Left Cornerback: Trent McDuffie
- Right Cornerback: Jaylen Watson
- Free Agent: Bryan Cook
- Strong Safety: Justin Reid
- Punter: Matt Araiza
- Kicker: Harrison Butker
- Long Snapper: James Winchester
- Kickoff Returner: Mecole Hardman
- Punt Returner: Xavier Worthy
Join Theo Ash: Your Football Opinion
Listen to the Your Football Opinion with Theo Ash! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Find us on the Pro Football Network YouTube Channel!