Kyle Hamilton

Hamilton managed a full session to clear the report after a Wednesday DNP. While the Ravens are missing some key players on defense, having their star safety ready to deal with Josh Allen is a big get for them in Week 8.

Hamilton was seen in full pads, participating in practice the day after being held out due to a knee injury. The All Pro safety-linebacker hybrid is arguably the most important piece of the Baltimore defense considering his absurd flexibility to play multiple positions on the field. While the official status of his return has not been provided by the team, it’s a step in the right direction ahead of a divisional showdown against the Bills in Week 8.

Neither did fellow Ravens safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who is also dealing with a knee injury. Ravens coach Jesse Minter said a few of his players were dealing with “after game type things” when asked about Hamilton, so it doesn’t sound like this is a major issue. Still, with multiple members of the secondary banged up, this is a situation to monitor throughout the week.

Hamilton was a surprise addition to the injury report on Friday, being listed as a limited participant because of the ankle issue. Per Rapoport, Hamilton will still need to go through a pre-game workout before the team makes a final call on his status. The standout defensive back has 87 tackles, seven pass breakups, and one sack this year.

It’s a surprise listing and comes with a Friday limited session. Hamilton would be a huge absence for the Ravens defense if he can’t push through this listing and play on Sunday night. We’d tentatively tag him as a true game-time decision.

Hamilton looks on track to play Thursday despite being pulled from Baltimore’s Week 12 game against the Jets multiple times. The star safety is the straw that stirs Baltimore’s drink on defense and they’ll badly need him as they try to keep control of the AFC North with another win on Thursday.

Hamilton was already playing through a shoulder injury entering Week 12, and was knocked from Sunday’s win over the Jets with an ankle injury that he suffered after slipping on the turf. Hamilton is one of the premier defenders in the league and would make for a massive loss if the Ravens are without him against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals.

Hamilton was running down Tyrod Taylor in the fourth quarter when his right foot slipped on the turf, appearing to roll his ankle. The star safety remained down after the play before hobbling his way to the sideline with a trainer. Hamilton was already playing through a shoulder injury and was in obvious pain after the play. With a short week to prepare for Thursday’s game against the Bengals, it wouldn’t be surprising if we saw him miss Week 13.

Neither are CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), ILB Roquan Smith (hamstring), or CB Marlon Humphrey (illness) — and outside of Humphrey missing Wednesday’s practice all four of those players got in full sessions all week. Baltimore’s defense finally looks to mostly be recovered from their early October swoon. Will they actually play better in Week 8? That’s the real question.

Neither are T Ronnie Stanley (ankle) or CB Marlon Humphrey (calf) — Baltimore’s defense should at least feel a little more NFL-quality than they were last week against the Texans. The Roquan Smith-shaped hole at linebacker will be a challenge to overcome. Hamilton, Humphrey, and Stanley each wound up missing just one game with their respective injuries.

Hamilton practiced for the first time since getting in a limited session last Wednesday. The versatile 24-year-old safety is a key piece on the back end of the struggling Ravens’ secondary and would be a vital addition back to the defense if he returns against the Rams in Week 6. Also practicing was LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle). Both Hamilton and Stanley are cornerstone starters at their respective positions and their potential returns would boost a Ravens team that is off to a disappointing 1-4 start this season.

Joining Hamilton on the shelf off the questionable line is star tackle Ronnie Stanley, who will be replaced by Joe Noteboom. The rest of Baltimore’s inactive list was decided on Friday: QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring), FB Patrick Ricard (calf), MLB Roquan Smith (hamstring), CB Marlon Humphrey (calf) and CB Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring). The Ravens and 49ers are jostling for most-banged-up team in the NFL and Baltimore looks to have pulled ahead.

He ominously did not practice the last two days of the week and John Harbaugh said his injury felt worse after Wednesday’s session. We’d consider Hamilton on the pessimistic side of questionable. Baltimore will have Nate Wiggins (elbow), who was cleared off the report, and won’t have Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) after three straight DNPs. In theory these are moves that should boost Houston’s pass offense, but we’re not sure if such a thing is actually possible.

Hamilton instantly becomes the highest-paid safety in NFL history. The 24-year-old agreed to a deal with $82 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which is nearly twice as much as the previous high of $45 million in guarantees. His $25.1 million in average salary surpassed Lions safety Kerby Joseph ($21.25 million) for the most at the position.

Hamilton has been sidelined for a few days and Alexander missed time in late July after having his knee drained. Hamilton typically soldiers through in-season injuries and Alexander has a long history of knee issues. It’s a situation to watch.

Hamilton is now locked up through the 2026 season, with the Ravens likely to hash out a longer-term extension with the outstanding safety in the coming months. Pro Football Focus graded Hamilton as the league’s fourth-best cover safety in 2024. He’s served as a critical part of one of the NFL’s best coverage units over his three pro seasons. He has five interceptions and 28 passes defended over those three seasons.