The Baltimore Ravens might not have one of its top pass rushers in the third preseason matchup versus the Detroit Lions. Brian Bower of Russell Street Report tweeted:
Harbaugh said Za'Darius Smith has a little "ankle issue" and is doubtful vs. Lions.
— Brian Bower (@sportguyRSR) August 25, 2016
Doubtful clearly does not mean that Smith is officially not going to play, but it would very unlikely to see him on the field. There is absolutely no reason for the Ravens to take any risk with an injured player. It would be absurd for the Ravens to even let Smith put on pads on Saturday. The Ravens are finally getting its key injured players back, therefore making the possibility of Smith playing when injured, no matter how serious, flat out stupid.
With Smith not on the field, Matt Judon should see a lot of snaps. Part of coach Harbaugh’s decision to start Judon could have to do with Smith, in addition to other OLB will not play. However, in the off chance that that isn’t the case, Judon will get ample opportunity to show what he can do. Judon probably won’t hop over Smith, Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs for more playing time, but his play is certainly worth watching closely.