Ravens Insider: Ravens S Kyle Hamilton, RG Kevin Zeitler and CB Brandon Stephens inactive vs. Dolphins

[ExtremeRavens]

The Ravens will have to win the biggest game of their season without three of their best players.

Safety Kyle Hamilton, cornerback Brandon Stephens and right guard Kevin Zeitler are inactive for Sunday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins. It is the first missed game of the season for all three players.

If the Ravens win Sunday, they will clinch the AFC North title, the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage through the conference playoffs.

Hamilton, who injured his knee during his standout performance on Christmas against the 49ers, has broken out in his second season. His two-interception game against San Francisco was his coronation as one of the NFL’s best safeties.

Stephens (ankle) has also enjoyed a breakout year as a capable cover corner alongside Marlon Humphrey. Zeitler (knee/quad), a veteran guard in is third season with Baltimore, is one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most trusted linemen. With rookie Sala Aumavae-Laulu inactive, Patrick Mekari and Ben Cleveland are the top options to replace Zeitler.

Without Hamilton and Stephens, Humphrey, safety Marcus Williams and the rest of the Ravens’ defense will be tasked with containing star wideout and NFL Most Valuable Player candidate Tyreek Hill. Ronald Darby and Rock Ya-Sin are next up at cornerback after Jalyn Armour-Davis was placed on injured reserve Saturday and Damarion “Pepe” Williams was ruled inactive.

Veteran Josh Johnson will be the emergency third quarterback, while fourth-string quarterback Malik Cunningham is inactive.

It’s not all bad news leading up to the pivotal contest, though. Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, who was questionable with a calf injury, is active. On Saturday, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell was signed to the 53-man roster, while outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon and defensive back Andrew Adams were promoted from the practice squad.

The Dolphins are also compromised for Sunday’s game. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle), a key part of Miami’s offense, and running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle), who leads the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns, are inactive. Right guard Robert Hunt (hamstring) and reserve defensive end Emanuel Ogbah are also out.

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