Baltimore Ravens Brace for Star LB’s Absence vs. Chargers

All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith is the centerpiece of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, but what does that defense look like without him? Well, the Ravens may soon find out.

Smith, a first-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons, injured his hamstring late in Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only did he not return for that game, but he has missed three straight practices this week. The Ravens have yet to rule him out for Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but they know there’s a good chance he won’t suit up for prime time.

“We’d love to have him out there, but we’ve prepared,” Medlinebacker Trenton Simpson said. “If he’s not with us, we’re going to have to communicate well and be on the same page. I think everyone will be ready to step up.”

Of course, Smith will be an incredibly difficult player to replace, both on the field and as a leader. On the field, he is tied for the league lead with 110 total tackles this season and is involved in more plays than not.

If Smith can’t play, then Simpson, Malik Harrison and Chris Board would see more snaps in the middle of the defense. Simpson has started all 11 games this season, but the other two are more rotational players. Be sure they are ready to go if needed.

“Getting the reps I’m getting this week, I’m going to be good,” Harrison said. “I haven’t asked him (Roquan) if he’s playing or not. My thinking is I’ll start this week.

“This is what they pay me to do. I’m a guy that can play inside or outside. Wherever they plug me in, I have to be ready. I feel like the more reps I get, the better I am I think they (Chargers) are going to test me, but I feel like I’m going to come out and have the best game of my career.”

Smith is also the leader of the defense as a whole, which makes his potential absence even more challenging. Not only is he supposed to break up the huddle before kickoff, but he wears the green dot as the one who relays defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s play calls to his teammates.

Kyle Hamilton, who also wears the green dot in practice, will shoulder that responsibility if Smith is out, just as he did in Pittsburgh. Presumably, he will also take on other leadership duties, a natural progression for the All-Pro safety.

Regardless of who does what, however, the Ravens know it will take an outstanding group effort to replace Smith.

“Not one person is going to replace Roquan,” Orr said. “Roquan is an every level linebacker and a top linebacker in this league and All-Pro for a reason. Not one guy is going to replace him.

“We like our guys that we have in the room — they’re here for a reason and somebody’s got to step up. They’ve got to step up and we’ve got to step up collectively as a defense and that linebacker room has got to come forward collectively as a group.”

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