The Ravens may finally be running out of excuses to keep Keondre Jackson parked on the sideline.
Jackson has been exactly the kind of player coaches dream about finding: productive in training camp, loud in the preseason, and relentless on special teams. Yet that surge has not translated into much defensive work in the regular season. Through 2026, he has logged just one defensive snap, even as Baltimore’s safety play has left something to be desired.
Now the door may be cracking open. Jaylinn Hawkins was limited on Wednesday and then sat out Thursday and Friday because of a knee injury, and that could be the opening Baltimore needs.
Jesse Minter likes using three-safety looks, so if one of those spots is compromised, Jackson has a real path into the mix. The Ravens also have a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals coming up, and Hawkins is expected to be a game-time decision after the team has not yet released its official injury report.
Even if Hawkins is available, the bigger issue is whether he should keep his hold on the job. Since signing a two-year, $10 million deal, he has not looked settled in Minter’s system. According to Pro Football Focus, Hawkins has a 54.1 overall grade and a 49.6 coverage grade, and he has allowed a 142.6 passer rating through six weeks.
That is not the profile of a player who has locked down a role.
Jackson, meanwhile, has done the dirty work that usually earns a longer look. He’s made his name as a special teams force, the kind of undrafted player who first has to prove he belongs before anyone trusts him on defense. He has done that and then some, and the Ravens have already seen enough of his effort to know he plays with no hesitation.
His best traits fit what Baltimore may need right now. Jackson brings real physicality, and while he can handle the high safety spot, most of his value comes closer to the line of scrimmage as a box safety. He is the kind of player who can step into run support, bring force, and give the defense a more reliable tackler.
There’s also a clean fit alongside Kyle Hamilton. With Hamilton’s ability to move all over the formation, the Ravens should have chances to get both players on the field at the same time.
If Hawkins keeps trending the wrong way, Baltimore may not have much choice. Keondre Jackson has done enough to make the case. Now it may be time to let him loose.
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