The Baltimore Ravens have everything on the line in their Week 8 matchup with the Chicago Bears, and they are getting several key players back at the perfect time.
On offense, quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable, but is trending toward getting to start; fullback Patrick Ricard will play his first game of 2025, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley should be back at 100 percent. On defense, linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie will return, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton should be at full health.
The defense will likely continue to have troubles, but on offense, they are poised for an electric day on Sunday. Not only are some critical pieces returning, but Chicago’s defense is enduring several injuries, especially in the secondary.
Ravens’ offense poised to go off against an injured Bears’ defense
Among those out for the Bears’ defense in Week 8 are cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon. These injuries are in addition to the loss of their star corner Jaylon Johnson, who is out indefinitely with a groin injury suffered in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions.
Their injury report also includes tight end Cole Kmet, offensive lineman Braxton Jones, and running back Roschon Johnson, who are all confirmed to be out for the contest. Starting running back D’Andre Swift is also listed as questionable, and was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday.
Chicago’s offense should still be able to find success against Baltimore’s defense, especially since Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit ranks 30th in yards allowed per game with 380.8 yards. However, the Ravens' offense, particularly their passing offense, is in a position to dominate on Sunday.
All three corners out in Week 8 for the Bears are their three starters when everyone is healthy. Now, they have just four corners: Nashon Wright, Nick McCloud, Josh Blackwell, and Jaylon Jones, available to suit up against the Ravens.
This should allow Baltimore to have a field day through the air. Wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has been enjoying a career year, should take advantage of the situation, and Rashod Bateman could break out after a lackluster start to his 2025 campaign. Veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins should also see more opportunities.
Baltimore’s abysmal offensive line could throw a wrench into their offensive plans, but despite that, they should be able to feast, especially in the quick passing game. Still, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken should continue to let running back Derrick Henry go to work. They need him to help take the pressure off of Jackson, as the Ravens look to sneak back into playoff contention.