The Sports Xchange

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Running back Justin Forsett of the Baltimore Ravens injured an ankle in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Browns and could not return.

It would be a devastating blow to the Ravens if he is unavailable against San Francisco.

Forsett ranks fifth in the NFL with 395 rushing yards this season. Despite the late injury against the Cleveland Browns, Forsett still managed the ninth 100-yard rushing game of his career, finishing with 121 yards and on 21 carries with a touchdown.

Coach John Harbaugh was optimistic Forsett would be available.

“It’s not a high ankle (sprain), I can tell you that,” Harbaugh said about the injury. “So, that’s a good sign, and it gives him a chance, certainly, for this week.”

Since signing with Baltimore last year, Forsett has 1,661 rushing yards — third in the NFL behind DeMarco Murray (1,975) and Le’Veon Bell (1,663).

Forsett was held out of practice this week, but that might be precautionary.

–The Ravens have been close in all four of their losses this season. And while that has been frustrating, they remain optimistic about a turnaround because they’ve been in every game. As a result, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh does not plan any drastic changes. “We definitely believe in what we’re doing,” Harbaugh said. “We definitely have confidence in the players that we have, in the coaches that we have and in the schemes that we’re running. But you also look for ways to improve and get better, so we’re looking at schemes. We’re looking at things that we can teach a little bit differently, (like) the way we’re playing a technique on the defensive line or the way we’re playing a technique in the back end. But more importantly, we want to play the things right all the time.” Harbaugh immediately shot down any talk about firing any assistant coaches. When asked whether he was considering changes with the coaching staff or anything along those lines, Harbaugh replied: “No. No way. No, coaches are doing a good job. We just have to collectively find a way to finish games and get the job done. We have tough challenges that we’re facing, but we have just the men for the job right here.”

NOTES: Backup running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) did not play against Cleveland and he did not practice on Wednesday. Rookie Buck Allen is the only other running back on the roster. … Wide receiver Steve Smith (back) is working to get back on the field this week against the 49ers and was at practice Wednesday. Smith is listed as “week-to-week” because of microfractures in his back and missed his first game of the season against the Browns. Coach John Harbaugh did not rule him out against San Francisco. “We’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t know. He was in here training hard, so that’s a good sign. I’m hopeful.” … Running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) missed the game against the Browns and was held out of practice earlier this week. Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed Taliaferro’s absence was injury-related and a not a numbers issue. … Tackle Eugene Monroe (concussion)returned to the lineup last week for the first time since the season opener. James Hurst had started in his place.