The Baltimore Ravens have struggled this season, leading some fans to call for a coaching change. Despite the challenges, head coach John Harbaugh remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around. The Ravens could soon receive a much-needed boost on defense as linebacker Roquan Smith takes a significant step toward returning for a highly anticipated matchup against the Chicago Bears.
According to a post on X by Jamison Hensley, “Ravens MLB Roquan Smith was practicing for the first time since injuring his hamstring on Sept. 28. OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle), CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), and FB Patrick Ricard (calf) were also participating in the team’s first post-bye practice.” Smith himself confirmed he is ready to play this Sunday against the Bears after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury.
### Ravens Hope Roquan Smith Boosts Defensive Performance
The Ravens’ defense has been historically poor by their standards, currently ranking No. 30 overall and allowing an average of 380.8 yards per game. They have given up more points than any other NFL team this season, conceding 32.3 points per contest.
Smith missed the games against the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams after sustaining his injury in the game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. A three-time Pro Bowl selection coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, Smith is expected to breathe new life into a struggling defense.
So far this season, Smith has made 34 tackles, including four for loss, recorded three quarterback hits, and famously returned a 63-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. His absence has been felt deeply across the defense, which has struggled to contain opposing offenses.
### Staying Focused Amidst Adversity
The disappointing start to the season has added fuel to what many describe as a smoldering “dumpster fire” — a far cry from the Super Bowl aspirations the team held going in.
Nonetheless, Harbaugh remains focused and optimistic. Speaking to The Athletic, he emphasized the importance of resilience and staying committed to the team’s goals.
“Like I told the guys, what we’ve got to be able to do is understand, really, how close you are sometimes,” Harbaugh said. “And you can’t allow the weight of the disappointment or the weight of the scrutiny — you can’t allow that to derail you or to sidetrack you or to push you away from your goal. Because we can accomplish what we want to accomplish. We can do it. We’re the kind of team that can do it.”
### Playoff Hopes Remain, But the Road Is Tough
Many NFL analysts caution against writing off the Ravens just yet. Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ stumble against the Cincinnati Bengals, a playoff spot is still mathematically possible for Baltimore.
However, the Ravens will need near-perfect football from this point forward combined with a mostly healthy roster to have a shot at postseason success. The return of Roquan Smith could be a pivotal element in mounting a late-season push.
As the Ravens prepare to face the Bears, fans and players alike will be hoping that their defense regains its bite and the team rediscovers the form that once made them Super Bowl contenders.
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