The Baltimore Ravens enter Week 5 in what is a must-win matchup. They sit at 1-3 and are facing a struggling Houston Texans team. If they drop this one, there is no telling how far of a tumble they will take.
It does not help that they are dealing with countless injuries to their starters. On defense in particular, they are expected to be without the likes of Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, while questions are being raised about Nate Wiggins’ and Kyle Hamilton’s availability. That puts several rookies in the running for snaps on Sunday, and one of those could be undrafted linebacker Jay Higgins.
Thursday's Injury Report pic.twitter.com/d3Hb5mygbx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 2, 2025
Higgins has yet to play a defensive snap in his NFL career, as through four weeks, the 23-year-old has been earning his stripes on special teams. In Week 5, Baltimore will be relying heavily on the young duo of Teddye Buchanan and Trenton Simpson to control the middle of the field. They looked to add veteran Eric Kendricks on the practice squad, but he declined the offer, which may give Higgins a path to snaps against the Texans.
Eric Kendricks declined an offer to start out on Baltimore’s practice squad and is headed home this morning. Offseason shoulder surgery kept him out, but he’s in peak shape now and determined to keep playing. He has 1,174 tackles over 10 years, including 138 last season. https://t.co/kOWCPcfH5U
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 1, 2025
With Simpson also fighting to get snaps in recent weeks, the door is open for Higgins to prove himself.
Jay Higgins may have chance to prove himself on Sunday
Higgins is set to be the team’s fourth linebacker in Week 5. Special teams ace Jake Hummel will likely be slotted ahead of him on the depth chart after playing 28 defensive snaps in relief of Smith against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, with so many players out due to injury, this is the perfect opportunity for the Ravens to let their young talent emerge, and they should give Higgins the opportunity to showcase why he made the 53-man roster coming out of the preseason.
The Iowa product was a preseason darling. Despite having an uphill climb to earn a roster spot, he managed to sneak on as Baltimore’s fifth linebacker. While they usually only keep four players at the position, Higgins played so well that he was too good to lose on waivers. He finished the three-game slate with six tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and an 88.8 defensive grade per Pro Football Focus.
Knowing how the Ravens operate, it is likely that Higgins sees minimal snaps on defense; if he gets any at all, it will be his chance to shine and prove his worth. Smith will likely be out for at least a couple of weeks, which could give Higgins more of a runway for snaps.