Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali could be part of the running back rotation on Christmas against the Houston Texans if Justice Hill (concussion) can't play.
Mitchell doesn't have a carry this season, while Ali has just nine. However, Head Coach John Harbaugh likes what he has seen from Mitchell in recent practices since his return from last year's season-ending knee injury.
"Keaton's been ready to go," Harbaugh said. "There's levels of being ready to go. He's coming off the injury, but I would say, in practice, we've seen steady progress with his explosiveness and his quickness and he's been looking good."
Mitchell's breakaway speed added an explosive dimension to Baltimore's backfield last season when he rushed for 396 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 8.4 yards per carry.
He played in three games earlier this year but took just four offensive snaps and has been inactive the past three weeks. To say Mitchell is eager for action would be an understatement.
"I'm as antsy as it gets," Mitchell said. "It's been a year, been too long. So I'm ready."
Ali is a fifth-round pick from Marshall who saw his most extensive action Week 15 against the New York Giants (eight carries, 34 yards). Harbaugh believes that experience against New York could serve Ali well if called upon.
"I believe he'll be ready to go," Harbaugh said. "He's pretty good in pass protection, he knows what he's doing, but until you get out there and play in a regular game, and you're challenged with all the things that go with it, you don't really know. He'll have an opportunity to kind of show what he's all about."
Kyle Hamilton Won't Complain About Challenging Schedule
Wednesday will be the Ravens' third game in 11 days, but they have an opportunity to go 3-0 during that challenging stretch. Hamilton said the players can't afford to let the unusual schedule throw them off stride.
"Every team that plays on Wednesday has to deal with it, so we're not complaining," Hamilton said. "It's just a part of the business."
While playing on a Wednesday is unusual, the Ravens have a typical four-day turnaround that would be the same if they were playing on a Sunday and then Thursday night. All four teams playing on Christmas played on Saturday to give them four days or rest.
"It was kind of weird seeing the games being played today (Sunday)," Hamilton said. "It's kind of nice getting them out of the way – just boom, boom, boom – three games done, and now we have Cleveland after this week and going to the playoffs."
With only four teams playing on Christmas, the Ravens will be in the spotlight and Hamilton enjoys that. He had a huge game last year on Christmas against the San Francisco 49ers with two interceptions, helping the Ravens to a convincing 33-19 victory.
"I obviously wish we could be home celebrating with family, but it's not in the job title," Hamilton said. "We're excited to go out there and play in front of the world. Netflix numbers might be a little inflated, like the Mike Tyson fight, but it's a blessing to go out and do what we love on gameday having all our families at home watching."
Texans Suffered Costly Injuries on Saturday
The Texans suffered major injuries to two starters on Saturday – wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) and safety Jimmie Ward (foot).
Dell, who led Houston with six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown before his injury, had his left leg stabilized in an air cast on the field and spent Saturday night in a Kansas City hospital. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap.
At his Sunday press conference, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans did not give a timetable for Ward's return, but indicated the Texans are preparing to move forward without him in the secondary. Ward was carted off the field after his injury.
"As of right now, it is still fresh and still sorting through how we will replace Jimmie," Ryans said. "We'll see how we have to configure things moving forward."
Hamilton said he felt for what the Texans are going through.
"Unfortunately, they've had some injuries and stuff like that, so it's going to be a little different team," Hamilton said. "I'm praying for those guys that they have over there.
"Obviously, Tank just got hurt – hate to see that in this league, no matter who we're playing. It's a part of the game, but it's tough to watch, and I'm praying for him and all those guys over there."
Hamilton Expects to Hear From Roquan Smith Regarding Notre Dame-Georgia
Notre Dame, where Hamilton went to school, advanced in the College Football Playoffs with a convincing win over Indiana. That sets up a Notre Dame-Georgia matchup in the quarterfinals, and Hamilton expects Georgia product Roquan Smith to talk trash before their two schools meet.
"Everybody wants to trash on Notre Dame," Hamilton said. "You hate us if you ain't us.
"Everybody in here, especially Roquan, I'm sure he's going to have some stuff to say about the next game. We'll see though. I think we're going to genuinely win the National Championship this year, so quote me on that if we win or lose. I don't really care. We're headed that way."
