The Albany Gazette - Ravens face familiar foe in Browns coach Monken

Browns first-year head coach Todd Monken, who served as the Ravens offensive coordinator the past three seasons, guides Cleveland (3-2) against the Ravens (4-1) in a fight for the AFC North division lead.

"If I know Todd the way I think I know Todd, he will want to kick our tails," Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said.

Monken, 60, questioned how much benefit he will have knowing the Ravens players, noting they will know his offensive schemes as well.

"I don't know about that. Gets offset by what we do on offense I guess," Monken said. "Got a lot of respect for their players. What you see is what you get from them.

"Did I enjoy my time there? Of course. A lot of really good memories. Got a lot of good friends and people there. Other than that, no, it's a divisional game."

First-year Ravens coach Jesse Minter, a former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator who took over in January, will coach in his first game against a division rival.

"I've always felt like the division games mean a little bit more," Minter said. "It's just really an intent and a focus when you play division teams. It's our first crack at that."

Jackson, who was hurt in Baltimore's October 4 victory over Tennessee, has not practiced since but Minter said he is "working his butt off" to return.

"It's definitely day-to-day," Minter said. "Right when those things happen, you're not sure, and as you gather information, you look at stuff."

If Jackson cannot play, the Ravens are looking at another start for Tyler "Snoop" Huntley, who led a comeback victory in Atlanta last Sunday.

Monken is ready for whoever starts for Baltimore.

"I've been there before where we played Snoop and Snoop is a really good football player. Won a bunch of games as a starter," Monken said. "So we'll prepare for the Ravens."

In 2024, Monken directed the first Ravens team to throw for 4,000 yards and run for 3,000 yards in the same season.

"Todd's a great offensive play caller," Minter said. "A guy I've got a ton of respect for. They have a great defense. We're just excited for the challenge."

Two other 4-1 division leaders face tests Sunday as well, with AFC East leader Buffalo at 3-2 Las Vegas and AFC South leader Jacksonville meeting Houston (1-4) in London.

- Hurts out for Eagles -

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was ruled out for Sunday's home game against Carolina after an ultrasound exam revealed movement in a blood clot discovered in his calf.

"Jalen will be out for Sunday's game versus the Panthers as we determine the appropriate course of treatment," the Eagles said in a statement. "His health at safety are our highest priority."

Two of the NFL's three undefeated clubs are at home this week, the Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) against the Chargers (0-5) on Sunday and the San Francisco 49ers (5-0) against Washington (1-3-1) on Monday. Minnesota (5-0) is off this week.

Sunday's other games include Chicago at Atlanta, Tennessee at Indianapolis, the New York Jets at New England, New Orleans at the New York Giants, Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay, Arizona at the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas at Green Bay.

(P.Clark--TAG)