Baltimore Ravens demote rookie Nate Wiggins to out

CLEVELAND – The NFL's worst-rated pass defense has a major problem at cornerback.

The Baltimore Ravens downgraded rookie first-rounder Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness) to loss on Saturday, meaning the struggling defense will be even thinner at cornerback for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

Wiggins should start in place of Marlon Humphrey, the team's interceptions leader, who is questionable because of a knee injury.

The Ravens are now expected to start Jalyn Armour-Davis alongside two-year starter Brandon Stephens, who came off injured reserve on Saturday. Armour-Davis, who has made two career starts in three seasons, has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury.

Baltimore (5-2) has won five straight games thanks to the strength of quarterback Lamar Jackson and the NFL's top-ranked offense. The Ravens struggled on defense, yielding a game-high passing rate of 287.1 yards per game. Baltimore has allowed three of its last five opposing quarterbacks to throw for more than 300 yards, including Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield (370 yards) on Monday night.

Humphrey injured his knee Monday after making his fourth interception of the season, which ranks second in the NFL. He hasn't practiced all week.

The Ravens would turn to Wiggins, the 30th overall pick in this year's draft. But Wiggins, who was originally listed as questionable on Friday, was ruled out on Saturday when it was decided he would not make the trip to Cleveland.

Baltimore faces quarterback Jameis Winston, who is making his first start for the Browns. Starter Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury last Sunday.