The leader in the middle of the Ravens' defense is back on the field, as linebacker Roquan Smith is practicing Wednesday.
That's very good news for the Ravens' run defense with the NFL's leading rusher, Saquon Barkley, and the Philadelphia Eagles up next.
Smith sat out Monday night's game against the Chargers after trying to give it a go during warmups. He's wearing a wrap around his hamstring at Ravens practice, but being back on the field so early in the week is a good indication that he could suit up Sunday.
Smith has the third-most tackles in the league (110) and even though Malik Harrison played well in his absence against the Chargers, the Ravens defense isn't the same without Smith's energy and presence in the middle.
Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) was also designated for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day window to return. Pierce has missed the past four games after being hurt on Oct. 27. If he can return to game action quickly, that would boost Baltimore's run defense even more.
Rookie safety Sanoussi Kane (ankle) also returned to practice.
Tight end Charlie Kolar, who reportedly suffered a broken arm against the Chargers, is not practicing and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) is still sidelined. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy was not spotted either.
Eagles' DeVonta Smith Could Miss Another Game
Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is not practicing Wednesday and is in danger of missing another game due to a hamstring injury.
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane believes Smith "still isn't close to 100 percent and Sunday could be [a] reach."
A top big-play threat, Smith leads the Eagles in receptions (41) and is second in receiving yards (516) behind fellow wide receiver A.J. Brown (727). They both have four touchdowns.
Eagles starting cornerback Darius Slay Jr. also isn't practicing Wednesday, per multiple reports, after he suffered a concussion against the Rams Sunday night. He would need to clear the league's concussion protocol to play in Baltimore.
