more in link <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Willis McGahee is out with fractured ribs. Troy Smith likely will remain the starting quarterback. And it's anyone's guess who will be starting at tight end. The massive number of injuries that have marred the Ravens' season will affect the team through the final regular-season game. When the Ravens, on a team-record nine-game losing streak, finish their dismal season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they'll do it with a backup running back -- either Mike Anderson or Musa Smith -- and Troy Smith making his second NFL start. There is a strong possibility the Ravens could face Pittsburgh without seven starters (McGahee, Heap, quarterback Steve McNair, linebacker Ray Lewis, cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and defensive tackle Trevor Pryce) and four top backups (Wilcox, Boller, receiver Demetrius Williams and returner B.J. Sams). Said Billick: "In my 30-some odd years, I don't remember ever having gone through this type of thing." Ranking the impact of the Ravens' injuries: 1. Chris McAlister The cornerback has always been regarded as one of the top cover men in the NFL, but there's more of an appreciation for him now.With McAlister on the field, the Ravens don't have to worry about giving him help and have more freedom to blitz. Without him, they are limited and vulnerable. His impact is reflected in the end zone. In the eight games that McAlister played, the Ravens gave up 10 passing touchdowns. In the seven games without him, they have allowed 15 passing touchdowns. 2. Trevor Pryce Even when Pryce led the Ravens in sacks last season, most of the buzz centered on young linebackers Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. Now that Pryce has missed much of the season, the Ravens' pass rush has fallen silent. With a combination of power and agility, Pryce collapsed the inside as few other NFL defensive linemen could. Last season with Pryce, the Ravens set a team record with 60 sacks. This year without him, they have struggled to get 32 sacks. 3. Todd Heap A major reason for the Ravens' troubles in the red zone has been the loss of Heap. He was the goto receiver inside the opponents' 20-yard line last season, scoring five touchdowns in that area. This season, the other Ravens tight ends have produced just two red-zone touchdowns. Heap has gotten an unfair reputation for not being able to bounce back quickly from injuries. Before the hamstring injury, he had started 36 consecutive regular-season games. He also has started every game in four of his past six seasons. 4. Steve McNair Some might have rated McNair higher because he was considered the team's Most Valuable Player last season. But McNair hurt the Ravens more than he helped them this season, going 2-4 with seven fumbles and four interceptions. If the argument is that McNair played injured this season, what is the explanation for the last two games last season, when he threw three interceptions and no touchdowns? Plus, it's debatable whether it even matters who is the quarterback at this point. McNair (73.9), Boller (75.2) and Smith (73.6) have eerily similar passer ratings this season. 5. Samari Rolle Rolle was designated the weak link by the Ravens' fan base last season, but few would call for Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin or David Pittman to start over him now at cornerback. When he's playing with confidence, Rolle is a valuable cover man who can make plays. The most impressive part about Rolle this season is how he dealt with a life-altering illness. Diagnosed with epilepsy, Rolle proved his resilience and dedication to this team by returning,which is something that goes beyond ratings.</div>
