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Jamison Hensley, ESPN writer
BALTIMORE — All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton was ruled out for the second half of Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving the Baltimore Ravens without their best defensive back in what was ultimately a narrow victory. 35-34.
Hamilton sprained his left ankle with 1:09 left in the first half, spinning it without making contact with anyone. He limped off the field and then headed to the locker room.
Speaking after the game, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said he was unsure how long Hamilton would be sidelined, but noted that the injury is not considered serious and seemed optimistic that Hamilton would not miss significant time.
It was a big loss for a Ravens unit that ranks last in the NFL in pass defense. He allowed Joe Burrow to throw for 428 yards Thursday night, including 264 to Ja’Marr Chase.
Hamilton is the Ravens’ best defender. Through nine games, he ranked second in tackles (67), totaling 5 passes defensed, 5 quarterback hits, and 2 sacks.
Ar’Darius Washington replaced Hamilton, who missed three games in his three-year career.
The Ravens’ next game will be against the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers on November 17.
