za darius smith

Smith was considered the Ravens’ second-best pending free agent, after inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, who also is exiting Baltimore.

After leading the Ravens pass rush in a record-breaking win over the Tennessee Titans, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the first time Wednesday.

Bowser has five tackles and no sacks in five games, and has struggled on special teams.

The Ravens defense turned up the pressure during Tuesday’s practice against the Los Angeles Rams, and outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith accounted for half of the defense’s eight would-be sacks.

Terrell Suggs and Matthew Judon are entrenched as the starters and the Ravens have Za'Darius Smith as well. But they need pass rushers Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams to emerge.

The Ravens figure to depend more on rookie outside linebackers Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams behind starters Terrell Suggs and Matthew Judon.

Za'Darius Smith's absence for Sunday's Ravens game against the Pittsburgh Steelers likely means more playing time for rookies Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser.