The Ravens will have to face Justin Herbert and the Chargers without Jaylinn Hawkins. Head coach Jesse Minter ruled the veteran safety out for Monday night’s matchup at M&T Bank Stadium, extending his absence as Baltimore looks to end a four-game losing streak.
Hawkins has been dealing with a knee injury and returned to practice Wednesday after missing Baltimore’s previous three games. His participation created the possibility of a return against Los Angeles, but Minter’s announcement means the Ravens will remain without a significant contributor in their secondary.
Coach Minter rules Jaylinn Hawkins out for this week: pic.twitter.com/FKqSzhDNGd
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 14, 2026
Jaylinn Hawkins will miss his fourth consecutive game
Earlier in the week, Minter said Baltimore needed to evaluate how Hawkins’ knee responded to practice
before determining whether he could play. Returning to the field was encouraging, but it ultimately did not translate into clearance for Monday’s game. Hawkins had played 81% of Baltimore’s defensive snaps before the injury interrupted his season, according to the team’s website. His absence leaves the Ravens without a safety who handled a substantial workload alongside Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks.
The impact extends beyond replacing one player’s snaps. Baltimore’s ability to use multiple safeties gives its defensive staff flexibility with coverage assignments and Hamilton’s alignment. Without Hawkins, the Ravens must continue distributing those responsibilities among their available defensive backs.
Ravens face another test against Justin Herbert
Limiting explosive plays remains a priority against Herbert, whose arm strength allows Los Angeles to challenge coverage downfield. Baltimore will need consistent communication and disciplined assignments to prevent the Chargers from creating opportunities behind the secondary.
Nate Wiggins emphasized those details during his media availability Friday, pointing to formation recognition, forcing underneath throws, and finishing tackles. That approach becomes especially important as the defense adjusts its personnel and tries to keep short completions from turning into longer gains.
Hawkins’ absence also increases the importance of the connection between Baltimore’s coverage and pass rush. Making Herbert move through his reads can create opportunities up front, while pressure can reduce the time defensive backs must hold their assignments.
The Ravens entered the week hoping the extended break would help restore their secondary. Hawkins’ return will have to wait at least another game, leaving Baltimore to pursue a needed victory without one of its regular defensive contributors.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens rule out safety Jaylinn Hawkins for Monday night vs. Chargers
