Report: Ravens All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith likely won’t play against the Chargers

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to be without All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith tonight against Justin Herbert and the surging Los Angeles Chargers. Smith suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was unable to practice this week.

Smith was still listed as questionable on the Ravens’ most recent injury report because the team still trusted him to play without practicing (assuming he was healthy). However, Smith’s thigh muscles were unable to heal in time. Smith is now expected to miss the first game of his Ravens career due to injury. The two-time Pro-Bowler was one of several veteran starters who sat out last year’s Week 18 regular-season finale after the Ravens secured home-field advantage and a first-round bye the week before.

Through the first 11 weeks of the season, Smith leads the Ravens with 110 total tackles, tied with Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Zaire Franklin, who leads the league. Smith had his best game of the year before leaving Pittsburgh, totaling 13 tackles, including two for loss.

Smith plays an important role in the Ravens’ defense with a variety of roles that rival the versatility of All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. As the green dot wearer, he is also responsible for relaying defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s play instructions to the rest of his teammates on the field. Hamilton is confident that he can take on these tasks.

“I’ve had it in my helmet in training almost every day for the last 12 weeks,” Hamilton said last Thursday. “I remember they never told me that I had the microphone in my helmet, so on the first day of practice I just heard ‘ZO’ (defensive coordinator Zach Orr) in my ear and it was a surprise, but I did I’m used to it now. I remember rookie minicamp when I came here and I had the point and it was definitely a lot different than it is now. My head was spinning so I didn’t really get a chance to get the calls to the guys – I’m kind of sorry about that. I’ve grown since then, but yes, if I’m asked to do it, I will.”

Replacing a player of Smith’s caliber on the field won’t be left to one player alone, as the Orr said they will take a “by committee” approach if he is unable to play against the Chargers. Trenton Simpson is expected to take over Smith’s MIKE linebacker role, with Malik Harrison alongside him on early downs and Chris Board playing in obvious passing situations. The Ravens could also go for more dime packages with Marcus Williams and Arthur Maulet. Core special teams member Kristian Welch was recently elevated to the active roster following the release of two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson. could also be an option.

“Honestly, it really just depends on what the Chargers give us,” Orr said Friday. “Depending on what we want to execute and what they also want to execute. So it’s a mix of both, so you’ll see – if Roquan can’t go – you’ll see a mix of people there.”