The Baltimore Ravens are heading into Sunday night’s matchup against the New England Patriots with some real uncertainty on the defensive side of the ball - and not the kind you want this late in the season.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie has already been ruled out with a foot injury, and that alone is a notable blow. But the bigger concern might be safety Kyle Hamilton, who’s officially listed as questionable with an ankle issue.
Hamilton tweaked it during Friday’s practice, which doesn’t give him much time to bounce back. While there’s optimism he’ll suit up - and he’s built a reputation for being tough to keep off the field - it’s likely going to come down to how he feels during warmups on Sunday night.
And make no mistake: Hamilton’s availability could swing this game. He’s not just a safety - he’s a chess piece who lines up all over the field, disrupts passing lanes, and helps disguise coverages.
The Ravens don’t have a one-for-one replacement for him, because there really isn’t one. But if he can’t go, Ar’Darius Washington’s return becomes even more important.
Washington brings versatility of his own, and he’ll likely be asked to help fill some of the gaps Hamilton would normally cover.
That also puts more pressure on Malaki Starks and Alohi Gilman, two players who’ll need to step up if Hamilton is limited or sidelined. Both have shown flashes this season, but Sunday night could require more than just flashes - it could call for full-on impact performances.
Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defensive line is dealing with its own set of challenges. John Jenkins is questionable due to an illness, and Brent Urban was a late addition to the injury report with the same issue. It’s the third player this week, including Lamar Jackson, to be hit by what appears to be a bug circulating through the locker room.
With Jenkins and Urban both uncertain, Baltimore elevated Josh Tupou from the practice squad - a move that signals some concern about depth. If neither veteran can go, rookie Aeneas Peebles could find himself back in the rotation. That’s a big stage for a young player, especially against a Patriots offense that, while inconsistent, still has the ability to grind out drives if you let them.
Baltimore’s inactives will be announced at 6:50 p.m. ET on Sunday, and for a team with postseason aspirations, every name on that list is going to matter. The Ravens’ defense has been one of the league’s most consistent units this season, but this week, they’re being tested in a different way - not by an opponent’s scheme, but by injuries and illness.
How they respond could say a lot about their depth, their resilience, and their readiness for the stretch run.