OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens will welcome back All-Pro inside linebacker Roquan Smith against Philadelphia on Sunday, but another key member of the defense isn’t expected to play.
While Smith was removed from the final injury report after practicing fully on Friday, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy — tied with Odafe Oweh for the team lead in sacks with eight — was officially listed as doubtful after missing the entire practice week with neck and hamstring injuries. Head coach John Harbaugh said Van Noy isn’t dealing with anything serious, but the 33-year-old played just 33 snaps against the Los Angeles Chargers last Monday, his lightest workload in a game since Week 4. Smith registered a sack on the penultimate defensive drive of the game, but he played only one snap during the final drive.
Van Noy’s anticipated absence will likely lead to more playing time for versatile linebacker Malik Harrison, who played a season-high 50 snaps against the Chargers with Smith being out due to a hamstring injury. This week could bring more snaps at the edge for Harrison as the Ravens try to slow superstar running back Saquon Barkley and the NFL’s No. 1 rushing attack.
In addition to Smith, the Ravens could also welcome back nose tackle Michael Pierce, who was officially listed as questionable after practicing fully Friday. Pierce has been on injured reserve since hurting his right calf in the Week 8 loss at Cleveland. Baltimore would certainly prefer having Pierce in the defensive line rotation against the Eagles, but you also don’t want to risk a setback, especially with the bye looming next week.
Pierce was designated to return to practice from IR on Wednesday and would need to be activated by 4 p.m. Saturday in order to suit up against Philadelphia.
“We’ll see where he’s at. That’s something in terms of how he’s feeling,” said Harbaugh about Pierce’s status for Sunday. “We’re going up against a big, physical offensive line. He’d be a great addition, but he’s got to be at his best too. He’s got to feel that.”
As expected, tight end Charlie Kolar (broken right forearm) and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf/knee) were ruled out after missing the entire practice week. Kolar figures to be the top candidate to go on IR to create a roster spot if the Ravens activate Pierce for Week 13.
The Eagles officially ruled out veteran cornerback Darius Slay with a concussion, but starting wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices to conclude the week. Smith sat out last week’s Sunday night win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Below is the final injury report for Week 13:
BALTIMORE
OUT: TE Charlie Kolar (forearm), CB Arthur Maulet (calf/knee)
DOUBTFUL: OLB Kyle Van Noy (neck/hamstring)
QUESTIONABLE: NT Michael Pierce (calf), CB T.J. Tampa (ankle)
PHILADELPHIA
OUT: CB Darius Slay (concussion), LB Ben VanSumeren (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: S Sydney Brown (knee), WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring), WR Johnny Wilson (hamstring)
