The leader in the middle of the Ravens' defense is back on the field, as linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) was back at practice Wednesday as a limited participant.
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 wore 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 designated for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window. Pierce, who was limited Wednesday, 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.
"We have our fingers crossed that he could be ready this week," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
Defensive tackle Travis Jones (ankle) was a limited participant after barely practicing last week but playing against the Chargers. Rookie safety Sanoussi Kane (ankle) also returned to practice and was a limited participant.
Tight end Charlie Kolar, who suffered a broken arm against the Chargers, did not practice, and cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) remained sidelined. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) also didn't practice.
Eagles' DeVonta Smith Could Miss Another Game
Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith did not practice 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 didn't practice Wednesday after he suffered a concussion against the Rams Sunday night. He would need to clear the league's concussion protocol to play in Baltimore. Cornerback Kelee Ringo (calf) did not practice either.
