The Bears had the benefit of a bye week leading into their game against the Commanders on Monday, a 25-24 win, and the Ravens will have that as well ahead of hosting the Bears on Oct. 26.
Not only does that help the Ravens’ preparation, but coach John Harbaugh said they expect to have quarterback Lamar Jackson and linebacker Roquan Smith, arguably their two best players, back from injury for that game. They each hurt their hamstring in Week 4 against the Chiefs.
It would be Smith’s first time playing against the Bears, who drafted him No. 8 overall in 2018, then dealt him to the Ravens for a second-round pick in 2022. He has been an All-Pro three times with the Ravens since the trade.
Jackson, a two-time MVP in his eighth season, has never faced the Bears. Tyler Huntley started for them in a 16-13 win at Soldier Field in 2021.
