Kyle

Hamilton

Hamilton was limited in Thursday’s practice after being a DNP on Wednesday. He got in a full practice on Friday and was removed from the injury report entirely. Hamilton is good to go for his AFC North showdown with Pittsburgh.

Hamilton was a DNP on Wednesday and will presumably be listed as limited on Thursday. The Ravens’ All-Pro safety suffered an ankle injury in the team’s Week 10 win over the Bengals, but the severity of the injury was downplayed by head coach John Harbaugh the following day. With Friday’s practice still to go, it’s looking like Hamilton will have a good chance to suit up this weekend in a pivotal AFC North matchup against rival Pittsburgh.

Hamilton suffered the ankle injury in Baltimore’s Week 10 win over the Bengals on Thursday and was eventually ruled out. Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters last week that Hamilton’s injury isn’t serious, by which he meant a long-term issue. In the short term, Hamilton looks likely to miss Week 11, weakening an already paper-thin Baltimore pass-defense.

This is more so Harbaugh saying Hamilton avoided the worst, but it doesn’t mean he won’t miss some time with the injury. The Ravens don’t have their bye until Week 14, so Hamilton could be looking at missing a handful of games depending on the severity of his injury. He is set to undergo an MRI to get a better look at everything, but he now has 10 days to recover before his next game, which is set for Week 11 against the Steelers.

Hamilton landed awkwardly late in the first half and went down in a heap. He eventually made his way off the field under his own power but was walking with a heavy limp. He headed straight to the X-ray room and was ruled out early in the third quarter. It’s a big, big loss for a Ravens defense already struggling mightily against the pass.

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec relayed Hamilton’s Friday comments and although the Ravens’ most recent practice report has yet to be released, Hamilton promisingly logged a Limited Participant designation on Thursday. Hamilton technically starts as a safety in the Ravens’ secondary while also doubling as the team’s primary slot cornerback. He will be a critical piece of the Ravens’ defensive game plan, as they try to contain the Cowboys’ star inside/outside receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Cornerback Nate Wiggins remains sidelined with a concussion. Hamilton appeared to be dealing with a shoulder issue during the Ravens’ Week 2 loss to the Raiders. He is listed with a back injury on the report, so it’s unclear if the two issues are related. The Ravens will be a far easier matchup for the Cowboys if both Hamilton and Wiggins are out for Week 3.

When asked about the status of Hamilton, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said, “He’s good.” Hamilton suffered an injury scare in Sunday’s practice, but it sounds like he’ll need a few days of recovery before rejoining the team in practice. Hamilton is entering his third season in the league and is fresh off a season in which he earned First-team All-Pro honors after totaling 81 tackles, three sacks, 10 TFLs, and four interceptions as a do-it-all safety for the Ravens. He’ll look to post similar numbers in his first year under defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who replaces new Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald.

The report comes from ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, who reports Harbaugh said, “Obviously, we’ll continue to do some tests tonight and tomorrow to make sure. But first indications are he’s fine.” Hamilton notably dealt with a recurring MCL injury late last season. He earned first-team All-Pro honors as a safety and slot coverage specialist.

The Ravens have a bye this weekend, so he fact that Hamilton was able to get back on the practice field over a week in advance of the game is a good sign for his availability. His return would be big news for the Ravens defense, regardless of who they’re facing.