Roquan Smith, Vega Ioane back at practice Thursday

Smith was one of several Ravens defenders to miss today’s session, though we’re expecting some of them to get back on the field later in the week. Smith has one interception, one forced fumble, and two sacks across seven games this year. We’re already expecting a shootout between the Ravens and Bills on Sunday, but Smith missing the contest would certainly increase the odds of fireworks on offense.

The Ravens’ mauling rookie guard suffered an MCL sprain in Week 7 against the Bengals. He is likely on the wrong side of questionable for Week 8, but Minter said he has been impressed by Ioane’s resilience and thinks he could recover quickly. In the meantime, OL Emery Jones Jr. and OT Andrew Vorhees will compete for the potential starting role.

Ioane went down with a knee injury on Sunday against the Bengals and did not return to the game. Though Rapoport said the injury is not considered long term, Ioane — an impressive rookie — will be sidelined for a while. Baltimore’s offensive line ranks 20th in pass block win rate and 19th in run block win rate, according to ESPN.

Ioane exited late in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and was ruled out shortly after halftime. The rookie first-rounder appeared on 16 snaps and has started every game for the Ravens this season, splitting time between right guard and center. He was replaced by Emery Jones.

Gwyn went down with a serious leg injury in Week 3 against the Cowboys and will require surgery in the coming days, per Fowler. That will leave Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense without their starting center for at least the next couple months. Rookie first-round pick Vega Ioane will likely start at center for the Ravens in Week 4. It’s a blow to a Baltimore offensive line that ranks 29th in ESPN’s pass blocking win rate and third in run blocking win rate.

Ioane gets a fully guaranteed $24.2 million deal with a $14.1 million signing bonus and a fifth-year team option. Ioane is expected to start in year one. He primarily played left guard at Penn State, but should be able to line up at right guard, if need be. Vega (6'4/320) earned an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 78.6 PFF run-blocking grade last year.

Ioane (6’4/320) is a powerful interior blocker who delivered one of the cleanest pass-protection seasons among Big Ten linemen in 2025. The 6-4, 328-pound guard allowed zero sacks and just a 0.7 percent pressure rate across 294 pass-blocking snaps, posting a 99.7 percent pass-block efficiency and an outstanding 87.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while committing only one penalty. Ioane also logged 306 run-blocking snaps with a 78.6 PFF run-block grade, finishing the year with only a 1.6 percent blown-block rate on run plays, illustrating his consistent execution in Penn State’s physical rushing attack. Built like a prototypical power-scheme guard, Ioane wins with thick limbs, core strength and excellent contact balance, using strong hands and hip roll to generate displacement on base blocks and double teams. His firm punch and sturdy anchor allow him to absorb power rushers effectively, while his vice-like grip strength helps him stay connected through the rep. With elite pass-protection acumen and the most complete resume of any interior lineman in the class, Ioane projects as a high-floor guard who can step into a starting role on day one.

Neither are CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), ILB Roquan Smith (hamstring), or CB Marlon Humphrey (illness) — and outside of Humphrey missing Wednesday’s practice all four of those players got in full sessions all week. Baltimore’s defense finally looks to mostly be recovered from their early October swoon. Will they actually play better in Week 8? That’s the real question.

The Ravens’ defensive health is improving, though it still lacks a capable pass rush. CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) is practicing in full, as are S Kyle Hamilton (groin) and LB Roquan Smith (hamstring). This unit was one to target for fantasy purposes pre-bye, in Weeks 1-6, and will likely remain fantasy-friendly until it improves its defensive-front personnel. This week’s results against the Bears are worth watching.

Smith has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but was able to log a practice in his return from the Ravens bye week. With several days to go until Sunday’s game against the Bears, Smith is clearly trending in the right direction heading into a pivotal matchup with the Ravens’ season on the line.