James Harrison Likely Missing Steelers' Week 9 Game Gives Ravens the Advantage

After missing the past month with an orbital fracture, there was talk that Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro linebacker James Harrison might be in line to return on Sunday night to take on the division rival Baltimore Ravens.

According to Harrison himself, however, he has only been cleared to practice and is not likely to play in Week 9. He could also possibly miss Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but would probably be able to return following Pittsburgh's Week 11 bye.

The Steelers have had little trouble without Harrison as they have gone 4-0 in his absence, including a win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Week 8. In what is sure to be a smash-mouth affair against the Ravens, though, his presence will be missed sorely.

Pittsburgh was wiped out by Baltimore by a score of 35-7 in Week 1, but the Steelers are obviously a much different team at this point. Still, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was given ample throwing time and picked the Steelers apart for three touchdowns.

Flacco has proven to be inaccurate when pressured, so the pass rush will be absolutely vital if Pittsburgh is going to be successful. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley has picked up the slack in Harrison's absence, but the Ravens will surely commit extra blockers to his side of the formation.

The Steelers are trending up and appear to be red hot, while the Ravens seem to be going in the other direction after an embarrassing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and narrowly averting disaster against the Arizona Cardinals.

Things rarely go the way they are expected to in the NFL, however, and the Ravens have to know how important this game is as a win would give them the tie breaker over Pittsburgh. The Steelers will obviously be desperate to win as well, but Baltimore should be up for this game after consecutive troubling performances.

If the Ravens play as they have for the past couple weeks, then the Steelers should win regardless of whether or not Harrison plays. I expect an inspired Baltimore team, however, and Flacco has already proven what he can do against the vaunted Steelers' defense when given ample time.

Harrison certainly needs to worry about his long-term health and shouldn't risk further injury if he isn't ready, particularly in a game that is sure to be extremely physical. With that said, though, his return would have been a big boost for the Steelers against the hated Ravens.