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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 25, 2026 12:28 PM ET

Alex Smith: Ravens must run the ball with Derrick Henry against Bengals

Lamar Jackson is ruled out for the AFC North matchup.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
Post on X
"They're gonna have to run the ball with Derrick Henry." —Alex Smith on how the Ravens can win vs. the Bengals without Via @ESPNNFL on X

What happened: Alex Smith stated on ESPN that the Baltimore Ravens must lean on their rushing attack with Derrick Henry, who previously handled a wildcat snap to tie a game for Baltimore, against the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is ruled out for the scheduled contest with an ankle injury.

Why it matters: Without Jackson available to direct the offense, Baltimore's game plan shifts toward Henry to control possession and manage the tempo against a division opponent. Establishing the ground game reduces pressure on the passing attack while the Ravens navigate Jackson's absence in regular-season play.

What to watch: The Ravens and Bengals face off in Baltimore with the scheduled divisional game set to begin at 0-0.

Sources

  • @espnNFL 
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NFLAnalysisBaltimore RavensCincinnati BengalsDerrick HenryLamar Jackson
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