Ravens could be without starting CB Jimmy Smith

When he was a rookie in 2011, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith was one of three players that intercepted Andy Dalton on November 20. A game that eventually resulted in a seven-point loss. Smith returned his interception (intended for Andre Caldwell) 16 yards before Jerome Simpson stripped the football at the Bengals two-yard line. The fumble was eventually recovered by the Baltimore Ravens. On the next play, running back Ray Rice scored a touchdown to give Baltimore a 24-14 lead with 40 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

That being said, in four games played, when Andy Dalton targets receivers that Jimmy Smith is covering, the third-year quarterback has completed seven of nine passes for 90 yards, recording a touchdown, interception and a passer rating of 105.8.

Dalton may not have to deal with him this Sunday when Baltimore hosts the Bengals. Smith suffered a strained groin during Baltimore's 24-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns and has already missed practice this week. Corey Graham would start for Smith. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reflects that "Ravens' pass coverage will take a hit going into the matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals' passing game."

"He’ll keep working on that throughout the course of the week, and we’ll see how that develops and see how he practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.