Ravens: Jimmy Smith, Derek Wolfe seem unlikely to play in Week 1
By Justin Fried
The Baltimore Ravens have dealt with a slew of injuries this summer. And they could be without a pair of veteran players this Monday in Jimmy Smith and Derek Wolfe.
Head coach John Harbaugh gave updates regarding a few of the team’s injured players on Thursday. The always coy Harbaugh didn’t reveal specifics, but his comments about both Smith and Wolfe seemed to suggest that they won’t be available for Week 1.
Harbaugh gave a simple “we’ll see” in regard to Smith who returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a low-ankle sprain over a month ago, on August 6th.
As for Wolfe, Harbaugh simply stated that the team hoped he’d be back “soon.” Wolfe sat out of Wednesday’s practice with a back injury and seems questionable at best for Monday’s game.
Harbaugh said “we’ll see” when asked about Jimmy Smith’s status for Monday. Also said Derek Wolfe is dealing with lingering issue in back. He’s hoping Wolfe will be back soon. This is me talking, but I doubt either will play Monday although Harbaugh is not ruling them out.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 9, 2021
The Ravens might be without Jimmy Smith and Derek Wolfe in Week 1
Smith has been out for over a month with an ankle injury, and although it originally appeared as though he’d be a prime candidate for the short-term IR, the Ravens opted against placing him on the reserve list.
This suggests that the team believes he will be able to play before Week 4, something supported by the fact that he officially returned to practice this week.
That said, a Week 1 return always seemed improbable and it’s more likely that Smith will be back in action in Week 2 or 3. His status is worth monitoring over the next few days.
With Smith likely out, expect Anthony Averett to take on a larger share of playing time if necessary. The Ravens have the necessary depth to make up for Smith’s absence.
Wolfe is expected to play an important role in the Ravens’ defensive line rotation once again. The 31-year-old is slotted in as a starter alongside Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell in a veteran-heavy defensive line.
If Wolfe is forced to miss time, second-year pro Justin Madubuike would most likely take his place in the starting lineup.
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The Ravens are a little beat up heading into Week 1. But this is a deep roster that should be able to cope with the injuries.