Ravens may no longer be able to keep Keondre Jackson out of the rotation

The Baltimore Ravens need to explore giving Keondre Jackson defensive reps. It's long overdue. He’s done everything coaches could ask. Training camp, preseason, special teams; Jackson has left jaws on the floor every step of the way.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t included many regular-season snaps on defense. He’s seen just one defensive snap in 2026, and that’s with subpar safety play.

However, with Jaylinn Hawkins limited on Wednesday, out on Thursday and Friday with a knee injury, the window of opportunity could finally be open. Jesse Minter loves running three-safety sets, and with one of those guys potentially down, it feels like the perfect moment to give Jackson his shot.

The 24-year-old definitely deserves it.

Baltimore Ravens need to let Keondre Jackson loose vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Jaylinn Hawkins very well could still play against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was healthy enough to be on the field in some capacity on Wednesday — he could return to game-ready shape by Sunday. The Ravens haven't released their official injury report, and Hawkins will likely be a game-time decision.

Still, it’s fair to question how healthy he’ll be, and if he isn’t 100%, it’s time to give Keondre Jackson a chance.

Over two years, Jackson has proven himself as a relentless game-changer who flies to the football. Undrafted free agents usually have to earn their stripes on special teams before playing with the big dogs. And Jackson has done just that.

I mean, when you make plays like this, that should be a guy you want playing snaps on your defense. He’s willing to go all out on every single snap.

As for Hawkins, he might be playing himself out of a spot. Since signing a two-year, $10 million contract, he’s struggled to keep up in Jesse Minter’s defense. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s registered a 54.1 overall grade and a 49.6 coverage grade. He’s also allowed a 142.6 passer rating through six weeks.

Healthy or not, that’s a player who should lose some snaps.

Baltimore may want a player like Jackson in the rotation, too.

Jackson’s physicality is among the best parts of his game. While he’s a perfect fit in Hawkins’ high safety spot, he can bring some understanding at that position. More notably, though, he does most of his work as a box safety. He can come down in run support and lay the boom, and could be the surefire tackler this defense needs right now.

With Kyle Hamilton's elite alignment versatility, there should be plenty of opportunities to rotate him and Jackson onto the field together.

If Hawkins’ trend continues, Ravens fans may finally get to see Jackson on the field.

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