The Ravens will be without their main threat at wideout for the final two games of the season.

Anquan Boldin will have surgery to repair a slightly torn meniscus, the team’s web site reports. While everyone was concerned about Billy Cundiff’s lack of work at practice this week, there was a discomforting air about Boldin sitting out Thursday’s practice. Now we know why.

Boldin sits at 57 catches on the season, second on the team to Ray Rice’s 71, a disappointing campaign for a player who has caught 100 balls twice in his career.

Boldin’s absence will give rookie wideout Torrey Smith and beleaguered veteran Lee Evans an opportunity to get some quality repetitions in against two very good pass defenses. The Browns are ranked 3rd in the NFL in pass defense while the Bengals are ranked 11th.