Rice-less Ravens Welcome Steelers To Town

(Baltimore, MD) -- The Ravens will look to put distractions of Ray Rice's release behind them when they welcome the hated Steelers to M&T Bank Stadium for a Thursday night AFC North clash. Baltimore released the running back earlier this week after video was released showing him striking his then-fiancee in a casino elevator in February.

The Ravens are also attempting to avoid an 0-2 hole after losing their opener to the Bengals, 23-16. The team intends to use a trio of running backs including Bernard Pierce, Justin Forsett and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro going forward. The Steelers are fresh off a thrilling 30-27 win over the Browns at home. Pittsburgh blew a 24-point lead before Shaun Suisham delivered a 41-yard field goal as time expired. The division rivals split last year's meetings, with each team winning at home. The Ravens have won four of six but trail the regular season series with a 16-and-20 mark all-time.

Bears Injury Update

(Lake Forest, CA) -- Bears receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are day-to-day. Marshall is suffering from an ankle injury while Jeffery also missed practice with a hamstring injury. Center Roberto Garza didn't practice on Wednesday with an ankle sprain. Chicago plays San Francisco in Week Two.

Rams' Long To Have Ankle Surgery

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams will be without defensive end Chris Long for a while. Head coach Jeff Fisher says Long will have ankle surgery this week and miss at least "a few" games. Long was injured in Sunday's loss to the Vikings. Multiple reports say he will be out one-to-two months. Long will be placed on short-term injured reserve with the designation to return later this season.

The Rams continue to prepare for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay. St. Louis is looking to bounce back from an ugly 34-6 home loss to the Vikings in the season opener this past Sunday. QB Shaun Hill suffered a quad injury in the first half and did not return, but he will start if healthy.

Thursday, September 11 Schedule (Time Central)

NFL

7:25 p.m. - Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens