The Ravens exited Sunday’s game with a 1-3 record and a slew of injuries. Baltimore’s efforts to rebound will include missed time from multiple key defenders. 
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey exited the Ravens’ loss to the Chiefs with a calf injury. The ailment is not season-ending, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Humphrey is expected to miss multiple weeks. Likewise, linebacker Roquan Smith is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain (per Rapoport). Smith is in store to miss time as well.
These updates come in the wake of head coach John Harbaugh announcing on Monday that defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike will be out for the remainder of the campaign due to a neck injury. Losing the two-time Pro Bowler for the rest of the season will deal a massive blow to the Ravens along the defensive line. Multiple games spent without Humphrey and Smith will also leave the team notably shorthanded in the secondary and at the second level.
Humphrey was limited to 10 games in 2023. Otherwise, the ninth-year veteran has largely avoided major injuries over the course of his career. Humphrey witnessed a downturn in production before setting new career highs in interceptions (six) and pass breakups (15) in 2024. Those figures helped him earn a fourth Pro Bowl invite and a spot on the first All-Pro team for the second time in his career.
The Ravens have 2024 first-rounder Nate Wiggins in place as a starter, although he too went down with an injury on Sunday. Baltimore signed Jaire Alexander in free agency after his release from the Packers; the oft-injured Pro Bowler has only played once this season, though, while attempting to ramp up after significant missed time in training camp. Fellow veteran Chidobe Awuzie could see an uptick in usage with Humphrey sidelined, and former fourth-round pick T.J. Tampa is another candidate for an increased workload.
Smith formed a strong partnership alongside Patrick Queen upon arriving via trade in 2022. The former Bears first-rounder has remained a foundational member of the team’s defense since Queen’s free agent departure in 2024. Smith has amassed 432 tackles and five sacks across 45 games with the Ravens, and while he has drawn criticism for his struggles in coverage the 28-year-old’s play against the run will be missed during his absence.
Baltimore has made recent draft investments at the linebacker spot in the form of Trenton Simpson (third round, 2023) and Teddye Buchanan (fourth round, 2025). The latter has handled a 69% defensive snap share early in his rookie campaign, and that will no doubt rise provided Smith remains sidelined for a notable period. Simpson is a likely candidate to take on a full-time starting role alongside Buchanan for the time being.
The Ravens have two games remaining until their bye. Given the timeline for Humphrey and Smith, both could be unavailable until after that point. As Baltimore looks to dig out of an early hole, the team will be forced to do so with a depleted unit on defense.