Who’s playing for the Ravens in Week 18? Several starters ruled out, more questionable vs. Steelers

The Ravens clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference last week with nothing to play for in the season finale.

The Baltimore Ravens officially clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a Week 17 victory over the Miami Dolphins. That effectively renders Week 18 meaningless for the Ravens, which is some news Pittsburgh Steelers fans can celebrate as they look to clinch a playoff berth with a win and some help from the rest of the conference.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh ruled out starting quarterback Lamar Jackson earlier in the week, giving backup Tyler Huntley the nod with Josh Johnson playing as his No. 2. It wasn’t entirely clear at the time how many more starters they might rest in this game, however. The answer, as it turns out, is quite a few.

On their final injury report of the week, the Ravens ruled out six players, including Jackson and three other starters — right guard Kevin Zeitler, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Meanwhile, breakout rookie wideout Zay Flowers is doubtful with a calf injury and star safety Kyle Hamilton has officially been listed as questionable with a knee injury.

Who’s out for the Ravens in Week 18?
OUT: *QB Lamar Jackson (coach decision), *OG Kevin Zeitler (knee/quad/coach decision), *CB Marlon Humphrey (calf), *Odell Beckham Jr. (coach decision), LB Malik Harrison (groin), DB Daryl Worley (shoulder/ankle)

DOUBTFUL: *WR Zay Flowers (calf)

QUESTIONABLE: CB Ronald Darby (illness), *S Kyle Hamilton (knee), CB Arthur Maulet (hip), CB Branon Stephens (ankle), WR Tylan Wallace (knee), DB Ar’Darius Washington (pectoral)

*Indicates a starter for the Baltimore Ravens

Among all of the names listed as questionable, safety Kyle Hamilton will be the biggest name to keep an eye on heading into Saturday’s game. The second-year star out of Notre Dame has made a mark as one of the league’s top defenders, the only defensive back in the league this season with 4+ interceptions and 3+ sacks to his name in 2023. Among safeties to play 500+ defensive snaps this year, Hamilton’s 47.2 passer rating in coverage ranks third best, having allowed just 36 catches for 260 receiving yards on 61 targets in coverage. His absence, along with that of Marlon Humphrey could mean big things as Mason Rudolph looks to stay hot in his third game as a starter this season.

Hamilton reportedly suffered a sprained MCL against the Rams earlier this season and suffered another tweak in Week 16 that could have the Ravens wanting to exercise caution with their young stud.

Despite how many players the Ravens have ruled out, they have just as many quality assets that seem likely to play, including edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Odafe Oweh, linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, along with safety Marcus Williams. On the offense, even without their top two wideouts, they’ve got an outstanding second-year tight end, Isaiah Likely in waiting, as well as former first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who’s finally looking healthy for the first time since drafted in 2021.