The Sports Xchange

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens continue to be peppered with questions about the status of rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman.

The first round pick is out indefinitely after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Perriman has been sidelines since being injured on the first day of training camp. He was expected to serve as the Ravens’ primary downfield threat.

Perriman did practice leading up to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but appeared to aggravate the injury in pregame warm-ups.

Baltimore coach John Harbaugh downplayed that scenario.

“He has been working a strained PCL from Day One,” Harbaugh said. “There was no new injury involved in that thing. When you do rehab, which he runs routes … I think he ran routes before the game (against Cincinnati), which is what you guys are referring to, and I didn’t know that somebody saw him limping or something after the workout, which, I think, I don’t know to what degree that was different than any other workout.

“I think there’s always a little bit of strain and soreness and stuff when you push it a little bit, but there was no new injury there. … I’m glad it got confirmed that there was no new injury. But it’s just a slow-healing deal.

“He’s had, probably, one of the all-time slowest-healing sprained PCLs ever, and that’s nothing against him. It’s just the way it is. It’s just tough.”

–The Ravens suffered a serious setback when wide receiver Michael Campanaro was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 3 because of a herniated disc.

Campanaro was not only emerging as a threat at wide receiver, he was also a spark on special teams with his punt returns.

“Look at Michael Campanaro,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “That one is tough, and he was making plays for us, so you hate to see that happen also. It’s always tough when guys get hurt.”

The Ravens will have to scramble to fill the void with his injury. Newly acquired Chris Givens could potentially fill that same role.

“We’ll look at all our options. We have guys on the roster — obviously, as you know — that can do it. Chris is a guy that can do it, too, as far as the kick return stuff.”

Despite the adversity, Harbaugh wasn’t concerned about quarterback Joe Flacco’s ability to adjust to a lack of a veteran presence at wide receiver. “It’s Joe’s job to go through his reads, progressions, footwork and put the ball where he is supposed to put it, which Joe does a good job of,” Harbaugh said.

“It’s about execution. I don’t care who is on the field or what they are doing, it’s about executing your offense. We’re fully capable of doing that.”

–The Ravens finally were able to get the running game going against Pittsburgh. Justin Forsett led the way with 150 yards on 27 carries.

Baltimore coach John Harbaugh is hoping that success will carry over to the game against Cleveland, especially with so many injuries at wide receiver.

“Sometimes you have to keep pounding that rock, because they made a lot of plays against the run — especially early — and finally it kind of opened up toward the end there a little bit more,” Harbaugh said.

“But it’s always important for us. It’s something that we count on doing well, and we need to continue to improve. I don’t think we’re where we need to be with the run game, yet. That’s something we need to continue to work on really hard.”

The Browns are ranked 31st against the run, allowing 141.5 yards per game.

NOTES: Wide receiver Steve Smith (back) is listed as “week-to-week” because of microfractures in his back. The Ravens have not officially ruled him out against Cleveland, despite reports saying he was unavailable. “He had a tough injury,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “Steve is a tough guy, so he’ll be back as soon as he can be.” … Tight end Crockett Gillmore (calf) missed the Steelers’ game after emerging as a primary target for quarterback Joe Flacco. As a result, the Ravens alternated two rookies — Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle — at tight end. Gillmore was held out of practice earlier this week. Nonetheless, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said there is “a chance” Gillmore could return to the lineup Sunday against the Browns. … Defensive end Chris Canty (calf) has not played since Week 2 at Oakland. He has not been able to practice so far this week even though coach John Harbaugh said there is a chance he could return to the lineup against the Browns. … Cornerback Will Davis, who was acquired from the Dolphins last month for 2016 seventh-round draft pick, got his first extensive action against the Steelers. He could play a bigger role in the secondary this week against Cleveland as he becomes more acclimated to the playbook. … Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith had a breakout game against the Steelers, as the rookie came up with two sacks. With the season-ending injury to LB Terrell Suggs, Baltimore has been looking for someone to step up and boost the pass rush. … Outside linebacker Jason Babin saw his first action since being signed Sept. 16 for depth at linebacker. Babin was released Sept. 5 by the Jets to save salary cap space. “He played hard. He was a factor in terms of the effort, and he was really disciplined with his pass rush,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.