OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Aiming to rebound from the Pittsburgh loss and to build on the silver lining of a strong defensive performance, the Ravens first hope to have their star linebacker back for Monday’s tilt with the Chargers in Los Angeles.
Two-time Pro Bowl selection Roquan Smith was absent from practice Thursday with the hamstring injury that sidelined him early in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s 18-16 defeat to the Steelers. The 27-year-old Smith hasn’t missed a game because of injury since the end of the 2019 season when he was a member of the Chicago Bears.
“He’s working hard to get healthy. He’s not ruled out by any stretch — I can say that,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s working toward the game at this point.”
Should Smith not be able to play, veteran backup Malik Harrison would likely fill in for early downs, but how the Ravens would proceed in obvious passing situations is more of a question. Though weak-side inside linebacker Trenton Simpson has played in at least 85% of the defensive snaps in four straight games, he was occasionally replaced by veteran Chris Board in passing situations against Pittsburgh.
A rotation at inside linebacker — with no one playing every snap — would leave the question of which Baltimore defender would wear the green-dot helmet that allows for communication with defensive coordinator Zach Orr to relay the calls to the defensive huddle. All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton would be the most logical candidate since he’s typically on the field for every defensive play and has practiced with a green-dot helmet all season despite Smith handling that responsibility for games.
“I’ve gotten used to it now. I remember rookie minicamp I came out here, and I had the [green] dot and that was definitely a lot different than now,” Hamilton said. “My head was spinning, so I didn’t really have a chance to get the guys the calls. I kind of feel bad for that. I’ve grown since then, but yes, if I’m asked to do so, then I will.”
Defensive tackle Travis Jones also sat out Thursday’s practice as he continues to deal with an ankle injury originally suffered in Week 7. The third-year defensive lineman played 37 snaps against Pittsburgh and was on the field for the final drive of the game, leading one to believe he should be ready to play against the Chargers.
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One new name on Thursday’s injury report was running back Justice Hill, who was listed as being in the concussion protocol and practiced with a Guardian Cap on his helmet and a red non-contact vest over his jersey. He was officially listed as a limited participant.
The Chargers didn’t practice on Thursday, so their injury report was only an estimate. Starters listed as non-participants included wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder), inside linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin), and cornerback Cam Hart (concussion/ankle).
Eight-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Khalil Mack (groin) was listed as a limited participant, which is notable after he sat out the Chargers’ Week 11 win over Cincinnati.
Below is Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Nelson Agholor (illness), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle), CB Arthur Maulet (calf), ILB Roquan Smith (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: RB Justice Hill (concussion protocol)
FULL PARTICIPATION: S Kyle Hamilton (neck), OLB Odafe Oweh (neck)
LOS ANGELES
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: S AJ Finley (ankle), CB Cam Hart (concussion/ankle), WR Ladd McConkey (shoulder), ILB Denzel Perryman (groin)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: OLB Joey Bosa (hip), OLB Bud Dupree (foot), S Derwin James (groin), OLB Khalil Mack (groin), G Trey Pipkins (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION: DB Deane Leonard (hamstring)
