Ravens’ inactive list raises major concerns for defense against Chargers

The Baltimore Ravens are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers tonight on Monday Night Football in a matchup with major playoff implications.

Both teams are battling for position in a crowded AFC race, and with the season entering its final stretch, every win counts. Baltimore (7-4) has a chance to rebound after last week’s tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Los Angeles (7-3) looks to extend its four-game winning streak under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

This showdown is layered with intrigue, from its playoff implications to the personal storyline of “HarBowl 3” between brothers John and Jim Harbaugh. The two haven’t squared off as head coaches since the Ravens’ unforgettable Super Bowl XLVII victory, and while this game won’t hand out a trophy, it’s no less important for either team.

The stakes are even higher for Baltimore given the firepower the Chargers bring on offense. Justin Herbert is one of the league’s premier passers, and Greg Roman, the Chargers’ offensive coordinator and former Ravens' play caller, knows Baltimore’s personnel better than most. Combined with a backfield led by former Ravens J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, the Chargers have the weapons to exploit a defense that’s already facing its share of challenges.

Ravens inactive players

The Ravens' defense has been a talking point all season, but this inactive player report ahead of the Chargers' MNF clash stretches the defensive concerns to every corner of the NFL world. Throughout the week, two defensive stars have been out of practice, and it looks like one will not be healthy enough to give it a go here on Monday Night Football.

The big man Travis Jones has been nursing an ankle injury for weeks now. However, after missing practice the past couple of days and being limited on Saturday, Jones will give it a go tonight.

The big worry right now is linebacker Roquan Smith and his hamstring injury. The Ravens have been getting ready this week, assuming he might not be good to go. Unfortunately, it’s been confirmed that Smith is officially out after doing everything he could to be cleared. In the end, it’s a smart choice for him. Hamstring injuries can be tricky and can stick around if they're not handled right. This move is as much about keeping him healthy for the rest of the season as it is about him not being fully fit for tonight’s game.

Will Smith's absence play a big factor in tonight's game? Dobbins might get a healthy workload tonight to see how the Ravens can stack up without their star linebacker.