Malik Hamm, a rookie rusher on the edge, has been placed on injured reserve by the Baltimore Ravens. (IR).
Prior to the opening week of the season, Hamm—who has been recovering from an ankle injury—was placed on injured reserve.
The rookie has three weeks to get back into the swing of things and, ideally, get back on the active roster. The Ravens announced his probable comeback on Monday.
In an effort to restore his match fitness, Hamm will have the next 21 days to reintegrate into the practice regimen. If all goes well, he may be activated into the playing squad for the balance of the regular season.
Despite not being selected in this year’s draft, Hamm made the decision to join with the Ravens following an outstanding season at Lafayette, where he recorded an astounding 32 sacks.
In the preseason, Hamm expanded his skill set by securing four tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.
In addition to winning the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year award twice in 2019 and 2022, Hamm was also awarded the league’s Freshman of the Year in 2018.
With injuries, the Ravens have been fighting an uphill struggle, especially on their defensive line.
For the whole season, they were without David Ojabo. Tyus Bowser, another important player, is out due to a knee injury.
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Three potential 2024 NFL Draft targets for the Ravens
The Ravens (9-3) would hold the No. 30 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft if the season ended today. These three guys are ones that Baltimore may select in the April draft.
Penn State’s CB Kalen King
Since cornerback is one of the Ravens’ weaker positions, the team was linked to many cornerbacks last season. Nevertheless, they only signed veteran CB Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year contract and selected fifth-round CB Kyu Blu Kelly, who is currently with the Packers. In 2024, Baltimore could want to strengthen its lineup, and King might be the ideal addition.
The Penn State graduate recorded 80 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 22 passes defensed between 2021 and 2023. King is presently rated as Pro Football Focus’ No. 31 overall prospect, which is well in the area of Baltimore’s projected choice. However, his draft status might yet increase.
Texas tight end Adonai Mitchell
After missing out on a number of first-round wide receivers, it appears like Baltimore has finally found one in Zay Flowers. Adding another wide receiver makes a ton of sense, especially with veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor on one-year contracts and former first-round pick Rashod Bateman becoming less and less likely to pan out.
Mitchell, a huge 6-foot-4, 196-pound wide receiver ranked No. 29 overall by PFF, may provide the physical presence the Ravens’ offense has been lacking. He transferred to Texas after winning two national titles with Georgia, where he burst out in 2023 with 51 receptions for 813 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Put Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau ahead.
The AFC North has traditionally placed a premium on the trenches, so Baltimore may try to further strengthen its pass-rush by adding Tuimoloau, PFF’s No. 35 overall prospect. Adding another edge rusher would be a wise decision for the Ravens, who have already lost edge rushers David Ojabo and Tyus Bowser to injury this season.
Throughout his collegiate career, the Ohio State product has improved each year and been unstoppable. Between 2021 and 2023, Tuimoloau recorded 79 tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and one score.
