The stars will be out on Thanksgiving night in Baltimore, as Lamar Jackson, Kyle Hamilton, Rashod Bateman and Travis Jones all play against the Cincinnati Bengals.
None of the four key Ravens were listed as injured before the game, and all four were considered full participants during a walk-on practice Wednesday.
The Ravens ruled out running back Justice Hill, who was added to the injury report Tuesday because of a neck injury that kept him sidelined in recent days, as well as defensive lineman Taven Bryan (knee).
Jackson has missed a day of practice each of the last three weeks due to various injuries (knee, ankle, toe). He said it is improving “in some areas.”
“I just fell on it. But I’m fine. Toes are fine,” Jackson said Tuesday.
Hamilton was a question mark after limping during Sunday’s win over the New York Jets. However, he was back on the training pitch after missing just one training session.
Hamilton, who plays many positions in the Ravens’ defense and will be a critical matchup against the Bengals’ offensive playmakers, said the physical challenge of preparing to play every week has been the hardest part of his hybrid role.
Bateman returns after missing the last two games with an ankle injury, which should inject more big-play ability into the offense. Rookie cornerback Keyon Martin (rib) was also cleared to play after missing one game.
Jones’ status was also key given what he means to the Ravens defensive front, who will look to put pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in his first game back from toe surgery.
Without Hill, the Ravens could give Keaton Mitchell even more opportunities behind Derrick Henry, and Rasheen Ali will likely be active.
With Bryan sidelined, the Ravens could elevate someone from the practice squad or make rookie Aeneas Peebles active for Thursday night’s game.
The Bengals ruled out two star players, wide receiver Tee Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
