The Sports Xchange

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens head into a Week 5 showdown against their divisional rival, the Cleveland Browns, with a depleted wide receiver corp.

Steve Smith injured his back during a victory Thursday at Pittsburgh and probably is out.

Michael Campanaro, who was also effective on special teams, was placed on injured reserve Oct. 3 because of a herniated disc.

First-round Breshad Perriman has yet to play a snap this season because of a knee injury and there is no announced timetable for his return.

As result, Kamar Aiken, a former practice squad player, moves to the top of the depth chart, while third-year player Marlon Brown also is expected to start.

Rookie Darren Waller, a sixth-round pick, is expected to get some extended reps.

After beginning the season with three straight losses, Baltimore can move into third place in the AFC North with a victory over the Browns (1-3). A win is also critical to keep the Ravens’ playoff hopes alive.

“The Browns is a tough rivalry; there’s a lot of history there,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “It always a tight, hard-fought game. We have a lot of respect for them. It’s two teams fighting for their lives right now. That’s how we’re approaching the game.”

The Ravens acquired wide receiver Chris Givens from the St. Louis Rams for a conditional draft pick to add depth. Givens, a fourth round pick in 2012 out of Wake Forest, probably will see playing time at receiver and on special teams against Cleveland.

“He’s a fast receiver, down-the-field threat and does a lot of good things,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a good player. It turned out he was available due to the circumstances in St. Louis, and (general manager and executive vice president) Ozzie (Newsome) made the trade, so we’re excited.

“He has been in here working for a couple of days now, so we’re excited about having him on board.”

The Ravens did get some good news on the status of tight end Crockett Gillmore after he missed the previous game because of a calf injury.

Harbaugh said Gillmore has “a chance” to play against the Browns and that would be a boost for quarterback Joe Flacco. Gillmore, however, was held out of practice on Wednesday.

Baltimore has beaten Cleveland seven consecutive times at M&T Bank Stadium. Nonetheless, Harbaugh is not taking anything for granted. He is wary of Cleveland’s front seven and its talented secondary might have the advantage over the Ravens depleted receiving corp.

“They have good pass rushers on both edges,” Harbaugh said. “They have some of the most talented secondary players in the league, and we’ve seen them up close and personal every time we play them.

“We know this rivalry and how big this rivalry is and how important it is to both teams, both organizations. All the players know each other really well, and it’s just a great rivalry.”

SERIES HISTORY: 33rd regular-season meeting. Ravens lead the series, 24-8. Baltimore has won 13 of the last 14 games, dating to 2008. The Browns last beat the Ravens 24-18 on Nov. 3, 2013, in Cleveland. Baltimore has won seven consecutive games against Cleveland at M&T Bank Stadium.

GAME PLAN

–The Browns are ranked 31st against the run, allowing 141.5 yards per game. The Ravens will look to capitalize by getting the ball to running back Justin Forsett, who had his best game against the Steelers with 150 yards on 27 carries. Baltimore will also have to depend on the run because of the injuries at wide receiver and Cleveland’s talented secondary. Defensively, the Ravens are going to keep the pressure on quarterback Josh McCown, who has been effective throwing the ball downfield. Baltimore’s cornerbacks have played unevenly, so the team’s front seven will look to take some of the pressure off them.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

–Ravens OLB Elvis Dumervil vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas.

Dumervil is going to be pivotal for the Ravens to get pressure on quarterback Josh McCown. Thomas is widely regarded as one the best tackles in the NFL and he has traditionally played well against Baltimore. While Thomas might be able to block Dumervil one-on-one, it could free up space for Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley to pick up the pressure.

–Ravens RB Justin Forsett vs. Browns NT Danny Shelton.

The Ravens are looking to exploit Cleveland’s struggling run defense. The Browns drafted Shelton with the 12th overall pick to contain the run, but so far, the unit has struggled, allowing 141.5 yards per game. Forsett had his best game last week against Pittsburgh and he will look to keep the momentum going against the Browns. Forsett had 119 yards on 17 carries in his last game against Cleveland on Dec. 28, 2014.