Injuries have been one of the many issues that have plagued the Baltimore Ravens amid a 1-5 start. Luckily, the Ravens' bye week offers a few key players a chance to get healthy.
Most notably, Lamar Jackson is expected to return from his hamstring injury. Likewise, Roquan Smith is also expected to return from his hamstring injury. Ronnie Stanley hasn't missed a full game yet, but he's left two games with a nagging ankle injury. Perhaps Patrick Ricard and Chidobe Awuzie return from their injuries as well. Ricard has yet to suit up with a calf injury, while Awuzie has been sidelined since Week 4.
Ultimately, being able to rest up during their bye week will benefit the Ravens greatly, especially as their schedule opens up.
The Ravens play host to the Chicago Bears when they return from their bye week. A solid team, but with a healthy Ravens squad playing for their season, Baltimore should be able to pull off a win. Notably, per Tankathon, the Ravens have the seventh-easiest remaining strength of schedule .
Lamar Jackson's return will be crucial
Of course, the return of Jackson will be the most impactful. Jackson's value to this team can't be understated. The Ravens are averaging 32.7 points, with Jackson, a number that translates to first. However, in the two full games without the two-time MVP, Baltimore has averaged just 6.5 points, a number that translates to last by seven whole points.
Jackson has already thrown for 869 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, while completing 71.6 percent of his passes this season and posting a league-leading 130.5 passer rating. For the Ravens to salvage this season, Jackson's return to the field will be vital.
Other key contributors will benefit from a week off
While Smith hasn't been playing up to his standard so far this season, he is still a key part of the Ravens' defense. Baltimore is giving up 380 yards per game (29th in the league), and they have struggled to generate any sort of pressure. Getting Smith back should be helpful, especially after they traded Odafe Oweh and Tavius Robinson's injury.
Ensuring that Stanley is at full health will also be key to protecting Lamar Jackson and turning the tide for a struggling offensive line. Ricard, who has yet to play this season, is also crucial to the Ravens' blocking game. Head coach John Harbaugh highlighted last week that Ricard's targeted return date is Week 8. Ricard returned to practice on October 9, but Harbaugh is still not 100 percent sure if he will be back in action.
Harbaugh said that he doesn't know if Patrick Ricard will be ready to go after bye.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 13, 2025
"It's just a matter of him being comfortable with his level of strength and his ability to perform. It's really up him."
Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton have missed time with injuries, so allowing them to rest up will be key for the Ravens' secondary to get back on track. Awuzie, possibly returning after the bye or shortly after, could further bolster a Ravens secondary that has surrendered 246 yards per game.
Overall, the bye week couldn't come at a better time for the Ravens, and getting some key players back could help Baltimore right the ship.