Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is inactive for the team’s Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Smith, a four-time All-Pro, did not practice all week and will miss the game with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old leads the team in tackles with 110 — which ranks third in the NFL — and also has one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
As Baltimore’s left back in a 3-4 alignment, he is a key cog in the defensive scheme and serves as the team’s signal caller. In his seven seasons with the Baltimore and Chicago Bears, Smith never had fewer than 101 tackles.
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With Smith out, safety Kyle Hamilton is expected to wear the green dot and carry the defensive calls, but Smith’s production will be very difficult to replace. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr said the Ravens will replace Smith “by committee,” which likely means Malik Harrison will play primarily on downs and Chris Board will be involved in pass plays. Both are known more for their special teams play.
The 7-4 Ravens have allowed more passing yards between the numbers (1,794 yards and a 75.8 completion percentage) than any team in football. Overall, Baltimore enters Monday night’s game ranked 23rd in yards allowed (3,982) and points per game (24.6) and 27th in first downs allowed per game (21.2).
Without Smith, the Chargers can further exploit the Ravens’ weakness. Quarterback Justin Herbert hasn’t been very aggressive in attacking the quarterback this season, but he has the offensive coordinator (Greg Roman) and the interior assets (Ladd McConkey and Will Dissly) to do so.
ESPN was first to report that Smith was unlikely to play in Monday’s game.
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