The Ravens, who are 1-5 and coming off their 4th straight loss, face a tough uphill battle to even make it into the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson cannot return soon enough.

John Harbaugh said that Jackson will be ready to go after Baltimore’s bye week in Week 7. After Sunday’s loss against the Rams, Harbaugh said that both Jackson and Roquan would “be back” following the bye.

Jackson and Smith suffered hamstring strains during the Ravens Week 4 loss against the Chiefs. Jackson’s exact injury was not disclosed. Smith’s strain was described as Grade 2.

Jackson’s return is of paramount importance. Even before Jackson’s injury, the Ravens offense had trouble finding a rhythm. With the two-time MVP out of the picture, the unit fell apart. Baltimore scored just 13 points, accumulated 507 yards and committed six turnovers without him. They also missed many opportunities. Cooper Rush, the backup quarterback who started both games, had four interceptions in 29 attempts. On Sunday he was replaced by Tyler Huntley during the fourth quarter.

Smith hasn’t been playing at his best, but the team still benefits from having him on the field. Teddye Buchanan, Trenton Simpson and others have shown great effort against the run. But the Ravens will need Smith to return to his All Pro form in order to change the defensive situation. He is likely to reclaim the green dot on his return.

Harbaugh was very clear on Monday about his desire to get his star quarterback, Tom Brady, back onto the field.

Harbaugh said, “If I were on the couch right now with a psychiatric, if I spilled it out, I would say that I am leaning hard towards [Jackson’s return], hard. “For my own mental and spiritual well-being, I am very much in favor of this happening. “I’m hoping that this happens.”

Baltimore’s rest is probably feeling the same.