Grades & Snap Counts: Roquan Smith Dominates in Return vs. F

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Grades & Snap Counts: Roquan Smith Dominates in Return vs. Former Team

After the Ravens stuffed the Chicago Bears on the goal line in the final minute of their 30-16 victory, linebacker Roquan Smith came to the sideline and hugged Head Coach John Harbaugh.

The Ravens had put the brakes on their four-game losing skid and a big reason was the return of their defensive leader.

In his first game back from a hamstring injury that cost him two games, Smith recorded the Ravens' highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive grade by far with a 90.7. Smith made a game-high 12 tackles.

"You never want to be injured in this game of football because your best ability is your availability," Smith said. "That's what it all boils down to. [I am] grateful to be out there with my guys and to get a win here at M&T [Bank Stadium]."

Shutting down former player headlines Bears' keys to victory over Ravens

Playing the Packers may not be a revenge game for Aaron Rodgers, but former Chicago Bear Roquan Smith almost certainly does not feel the same way about facing his former team. He never seemed to get along with general manager Ryan Poles and was unceremoniously traded ahead of the 2022 deadline.

The two clubs are meeting for the first time since that trade and are in vastly different places. The Ravens, a dominant powerhouse for years, have seen major regressions on both sides of the ball and have won only a single game (and no, not all the blame can go to injuries) while the ascendent Bears have won four in a row and show no signs of slowing down.

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Roquan Smith (hamstring) practices in full Wednesday

Roquan Smith (hamstring) practiced in a full capacity on Wednesday. (Baltimore Ravens on Twitter)

It has been reported that Smith is expected to play in Week 8, and that's backed up by the fact that he was a full participant at practice on Wednesday. Baltimore's defense should get a big boost from his return if it comes this week.

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