The Baltimore Ravens announced that Malik Hamm, their second-year outside linebacker, will miss the 2024 season due to a knee injury, placing him on injured reserve. Hamm, who had a strong preseason and training camp, initially made the Ravens’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie last year. Unfortunately, he missed his rookie season due to an ankle injury suffered late in the 2023 preseason, and this new injury will delay his NFL regular-season debut by another year.
Hamm, a Baltimore native, had been receiving praise from pundits and coaches for his performance during the offseason. He appeared to be in good physical shape and was expected to play a role in the Ravens’ defensive rotation.
We have placed DE Malik Hamm (knee) on Injured Reserve.
We have signed LB Quincy Roche.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 30, 2024
In Hamm’s absence, the Ravens have signed Quincy Roche, another local player, to the 90-man roster and the outside linebacker depth chart. Roche, who attended New Town High School in Owings Mills, Maryland, is a fourth-year pro who was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After not making the Steelers’ roster, Roche was claimed by the New York Giants, where he played in 17 games, starting three, over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He accumulated 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five quarterback hits, and a forced fumble during his time with the Giants. Roche spent the 2023 season on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad before becoming a free agent.
OUR BALL BABY!!!!
📺: @NFLonCBS & Giants App pic.twitter.com/icEnjpf0Jl
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 7, 2021
The Ravens’ depth at outside linebacker includes fourth-year pro Odafe Oweh and veteran Kyle Van Noy, who had a career-high nine sacks in 14 games last season. David Ojabo, a third-year pro, is looking forward to a crucial season after partially tearing his ACL in 2023. Tavius Robinson, a second-year player, was a strong run defender in his rookie year and has made notable physical improvements. The Ravens also have third-round rookie Adisa Isaac, currently on the non-football injury list, and undrafted rookie Joe Evans, who is also being trained as a fullback/tight end hybrid.
Lamar Jackson Defends Illness Record With Ravens.
Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, isn’t sure why he’s been frequently ill since joining the team but attributes it to bad luck rather than a chronic issue. Despite his health concerns, Jackson remains unconcerned about any long-term problems.
Jackson addressed his history of illnesses following a recent training camp absence that required medical evaluation. Speaking to reporters after returning on July 29, Jackson mentioned that he rarely got sick during his college days at Louisville, but acknowledged that illness can be unpredictable. He emphasized that he doesn’t believe his health issues are chronic, stating, “You never know when the bug will hit you, but I got hit with a bug. I’m good now.”
This is reassuring for the Ravens, who rely heavily on Jackson’s performance as a dual-threat quarterback. His health is crucial for the team’s success, making any absence due to illness or injury significant.
According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Jackson has missed at least one practice each season due to illness since being drafted in 2018. Despite these absences, Jackson’s illnesses haven’t significantly impacted the team’s performance. His first major illness occurred in 2018, just before his first NFL start, but he recovered in time to lead the team to a victory.
Jackson has mostly missed practices due to illness, with minor absences each year. The most notable game he missed was against the Chicago Bears in 2021, which the Ravens still won.
Jackson’s absences have primarily been due to injuries rather than illness, particularly ankle and knee injuries. These injuries have had a more significant impact on the team’s performance, especially during critical points in the season. For instance, an ankle injury sidelined Jackson for the last four games of the 2021 season, resulting in a losing streak that cost the Ravens a playoff spot.
The Ravens’ dependence on Jackson is evident in their struggles without him, underscoring the importance of keeping him healthy. Maintaining Jackson’s health is vital for the Ravens’ hopes of winning a Super Bowl and for Jackson to prove his critics wrong.
