Ravens CB Jimmy Smith, rookie OLB Daelin Hayes to make season debuts vs. Lions

Ravens veteran cornerback Jimmy Smith will make his season debut in Sunday’s road matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (shoulder) will also play despite missing practice Friday. Ravens safety DeShon Elliott, who practice Friday, is also active after suffering a concussion in last Sunday’s 36-35 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson (illness), wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (ankle), rookie outside linebacker Daelin Hayes (knee), and cornerback Tavon Young (knee) are all active after being listed as questionable to play. Brown was a limited participant in Friday’s practice.

Hayes, a fifth-round pick, will make his NFL debut in his hometown of Detroit.

Smith missed the Ravens’ past two games while recovering from an ankle sprain he suffered during training camp in August. Smith hasn’t played in a NFL game since last year’s Week 13 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The return of Smith should add some help to the Ravens secondary, which is missing Marcus Peters (torn ACL), Iman Marshall (knee), Khalil Dorsey and Chris Westry (knee).

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), defensive end Derek Wolfe (back/hip) and safety Ar’Darius Washington are inactive; Stanley and Wolfe were ruled out Friday. With Stanley still out, veteran tackle Alejandro Villanueva is expected to start at left tackle. Villanueva started at left tackle, where he played six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, against the Chiefs and had a solid performance.

“[Villanueva] played that position, and I’m sure it helped him a lot,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He was on the side he’s used to playing. It’s not easy to go to the other side. And I don’t doubt that he could play on the right side very effectively; it’s just time on task. But that was a tough assignment.”

Defensive tackle Brandon Williams, defensive end Justin Madubuike and outside linebackers Justin Houston and Jaylon Ferguson are also inactive as they were placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday. Ferguson reportedly tested for the coronavirus.

The Ravens called up defensive tackle Reginald McKenzie, inside linebacker Josh Bynes, offensive tackle Andre Smith and defensive back Kevon Seymour to serve as replacements.