Ravens Star Safety Expected to Play vs. Steelers

Steelers Playoff Ravens Kyle Hamilton
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) defends during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro strong safety Kyle Hamilton confirmed that he’s going to be active for Sunday’s crucial AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

Hamilton, who suffered an ankle injury in the Ravens’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday, has practiced the last two days. He said he feels good and that his ankle injury wasn’t as serious as he initially feared. There were concerns that he might’ve torn his Achilles tendon.

“I think it was big for me to get out and at least do a full practice before the game,” Hamilton said on Friday. “The trainers did a good job getting me back healthy, and I feel good.”

Hamilton wouldn’t miss Sunday’s game for the world.

“If I’m able to play, I’m going to play… I was just raised with – if you can go, go,” he said.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is also optimistic that his All-Pro safety would be good to go for Sunday. Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) was ruled out for Sunday’s game. He was spotted in a walking boot after Thursday’s practice and did not practice on Friday.

Hamilton being active for Sunday’s game is huge for the Ravens’ pass defense, which has struggled immensely this season. Through 10 weeks, the Ravens rank dead last in pass defense, allowing 294.9 yards per game. Despite having pretty good players in the secondary, the unit has not been able to mesh. There’s been some growing pains with new defensive coordinator Zach Orr.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is another All-Pro in the secondary with Hamilton. Hamilton was first-team All-Pro last year, recording 81 tackles (63 solos), four interceptions, one of which went for a touchdown, 13 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 10 tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.

The Steelers’ offense comes into Sunday’s game red hot, and quarterback Russell Wilson has been slinging the ball. The Steelers are 3-0 under Wilson and the offense has averaged 30.3 points per game. Wilson has completed 58.8% of his passes for 737 yards, six touchdowns, one interception, and a 105.9 quarterback rating.

 

 

Tags: