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Smith upgraded his level of participation with each practice this week, starting with an absence before moving to limited and, finally, a full session. He appears to be ready for a normal workload in the interior of the Baltimore defense, a welcome development for the Ravens as they prepare to face the Bills.

Both players missed practice Wednesday, with their return Thursday a good step in the right direction for their availability in a marquee matchup against the Bills in Week 8. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety-linebacker Kyle Hamilton were also present at practice Thursday as the team inches closer to full strength.

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.

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.

He didn’t practice at all this week. Neither did fellow ruled-out defender Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) — both players probably have a chance to come back after Baltimore’s Week 7 bye.

Will the last Ravens front seven defender available please turn out the lights at the practice facility? Baltimore will be leaning heavily on its depth against the Texans, making the main starters (Woody Marks, Nico Collins) on one of the league’s worst offenses at least defensible plays. Jake Hummel played linebacker in relief of Smith last week and figures to be one of a few options that could step in against Houston in Week 5.

Smith practiced in full on Friday, his first such practice of the week, before being removed from the injury report. Smith will be needed to slow the Eagles’ ferocious rushing offense. Fellow starting LB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) is unfortunately listed as doubtful though.

He was questionable despite not practicing last week, so a limited practice should put him in a better spot to be active in Week 13 against the Eagles. Smith has had a down season in coverage but is one of the best in the business against the run and his physicality will be key for a Ravens defense hoping to minimize the damage against Saquon Barkley.

Smith entered the game listed as questionable. After going through a 15 minute pre-game workout, it was ultimately determined that he could not go against the Chargers for the Harbaugh Bowl.

Smith was listed as questionable heading into the weekend, but the veteran linebacker didn’t log a practice this week, making him an increasingly long shot to be active on Monday night. After Monday’s game against the Chargers, the Ravens get a Week 13 matchup at home against the Eagles and then enter their Week 14 bye. Smith may miss at least one more game to have additional time to recover from the injury he suffered late in last week’s loss to the Steelers.