Lamar Jackson Remains Sidelined While Kyle Hamilton Returns to Practice for Ravens

With the Baltimore Ravens set to face the Los Angeles Rams in a critical Week 6 matchup, quarterback Lamar Jackson remains absent from practice due to a lingering hamstring injury, casting serious doubt on his availability for Sunday’s game.

Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP and cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense, missed last week’s 44–10 loss to the Houston Texans. Now, with no appearance on the practice field Wednesday, his status remains uncertain and increasingly concerning for Baltimore’s playoff push.

While the absence of their star quarterback looms large, the Ravens did receive a glimmer of positive news: safety Kyle Hamilton and left tackle Ronnie Stanley returned to practice Wednesday. Both players had been sidelined with groin and ankle injuries, respectively, during the blowout loss to Houston.

Lamar Jackson’s Status: “Still Sidelined”

Jackson’s hamstring injury has now kept him off the field for over a week, and head coach John Harbaugh has yet to commit to a timetable for his return. With just a few days until their next contest, signs are pointing toward a second consecutive missed game for the franchise quarterback.

The Ravens have struggled in Jackson’s absence. Backup quarterbacks have failed to ignite the offense, which looked listless in Houston. If Jackson can’t go again this weekend, the Ravens may need to lean heavily on their run game and defense to stay competitive against a surging Rams team.

Jackson isn’t alone on the sideline. Three other Pro Bowlers — Roquan Smith (hamstring), Marlon Humphrey (calf), and Patrick Ricard (calf) — also did not participate in Wednesday’s session. Veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) rounds out the list of high-profile names missing in action.

Kyle Hamilton’s Return Brings Defensive Relief

One of the more promising developments for Baltimore this week is the return of Kyle Hamilton, who was seen back on the field in full uniform. Hamilton, widely regarded as one of the top young safeties in the NFL, had been sidelined with a groin injury but looked sharp in individual drills Wednesday morning.

The second-year safety has become a crucial part of the Ravens’ defensive identity, playing multiple roles in coverage and run support. His return, especially alongside the newly acquired Alohi Gilman, could stabilize a secondary that was tested heavily in Houston.

Veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley also returned to drills, offering a much-needed boost to an offensive line that allowed significant pressure last week. Stanley’s presence will be vital in protecting whoever starts under center — whether Jackson or a backup — and giving Baltimore’s offense a fighting chance against Aaron Donald and the Rams’ ferocious front seven.

More Injury Updates: Limited Participation for Key Playmakers

Several other Ravens players were limited in Wednesday’s practice, indicating ongoing issues that could impact availability this weekend.

• Zay Flowers (shoulder) and Devontez Walker (oblique), two key wide receivers, were present but restricted in their activities. Their health could play a crucial role in the team’s ability to stretch the field offensively.
• Roger Rosengarten (knee) and Joe Noteboom (ankle), both offensive tackles, were also limited.
• Rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder) was a full participant, entering his second week of practice after being designated to return from injury.

Ravens Reinforce Secondary with New Additions

In response to the growing injury list in their secondary, the Ravens made a pair of notable moves on Tuesday. The team traded with the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire safety Alohi Gilman and signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the practice squad.

Both players were seen on the practice field Wednesday — Gilman wearing jersey No. 12 and Gardner-Johnson in No. 6 — as they begin integrating into Baltimore’s defensive system. While Gardner-Johnson’s availability for Sunday remains uncertain, Gilman could see immediate action depending on Hamilton’s readiness and the overall state of the secondary.

Gilman, who had been a productive player for the Chargers, brings experience and a physical presence to the back end of the defense. Gardner-Johnson, a versatile playmaker when healthy, could be a valuable depth piece as the team navigates a crowded injury report.

Looking Ahead to Sunday: Uncertainty and Opportunity

As the Ravens prepare to host the Rams, their injury situation remains fluid. While the return of Hamilton and Stanley are steps in the right direction, the potential absence of Jackson — along with several other Pro Bowl-caliber players — places enormous pressure on the rest of the roster.

The Rams enter Week 6 riding momentum and strong play on both sides of the ball. If Jackson is unable to suit up, the Ravens’ defense will need to shoulder the load — and that begins with Hamilton’s hopeful return, Gilman’s debut, and finding a way to contain Los Angeles’ dynamic offense.

In a season already filled with injury setbacks, Baltimore is once again being tested. Whether or not their depth and resilience can carry them to a crucial home victory may well define the trajectory of their 2025 campaign.