The Chicago Bears may not face two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson when they face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, but they will have to contend with old friend and All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith.
Smith, who missed the Ravens’ last two games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Monday.
Moreover, Smith is eager to face his former team for the first time in his career.
Roquan Smith Puts Bears On Notice Before Ravens Game
Ex-Bears LB Roquan Smith Looking to Make Statement
The Bears selected Smith with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, and he spent the first four-plus seasons of his career in Chicago. The Bears traded Smith to the Ravens for a second-round pick during the 2022 season after contentious and stalled contract negotiations.
Smith, 28, has appeared in 45 games with the Ravens since his last of 69 contests as a member of the Bears.
Regardless of the ties he still has to the area, Smith said the Bears are like any other team.
“I’m excited about the matchup, for sure. Haven’t gotten a chance to play Chicago since I’ve been here. Grateful for all of my time in Chicago. A lot of amazing people over there. Got a tremendous amount of respect. But, obviously, it’s a team that’s on the schedule. And every team on the schedule has to get dealt with accordingly,” Smith told reporters on October 21.
“You have to be the best version of yourself week in and week out, and it happened to be the Bears. So, obviously, I have, probably, a lot of friends and family and stuff that’ll be in. But it’s about me doing my job to the best of my ability and showing the world exactly who I am.”
The Ravens still have plenty of injury concerns to sort through before hosting the Bears on Sunday, but Smith’s return would be significant.
Roquan Smith a Model of Consistency
Smith, who said that he was “feeling really good,” had missed one game in each of the past two seasons, and his absence in 2023 was due to rest in Week 18.
He did not miss a game from 2020 through 2022.
Smith finished with the third-most total tackles in the NFL during his two full seasons with the Ravens. He also ranked third in total tackles during his four full seasons with the Bears, underscoring the level of consistency with which he plays the game.
Even his turnover numbers, while viewed as underwhelming in Chicago, have been consistent, with at least 1 interception in every season of his career.
He does not have one yet this season, but did return his 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Smith also has yet to record a sack this season. However, he has logged at least 1.5 sacks every year since he entered the league. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had better be aware of where Smith is on every play.