Kyle Hamilton's absence from Ravens minicamp explained by John Harbaugh

While the Baltimore Ravens got fans excited for the beginning of mandatory minicamp with much-hyped UDFAs taking the stage alongside veterans like Derrick Henry, one star who did not strut his stuff on the field in the last few days is rising star safety Kyle Hamilton.

Hamilton was one of just a few Ravens players who did not suit up during their first day of minicamp, citing an injury. While the dreading injury bug biting one of the team's best players could rightfully get some fans imagining the worst case scenario, the coaching staff managed to reassure everyone that his issue was relatively minor.

Hamilton is recovering from an elbow procedure to remove some loose bodies. According to head coach John Harbaugh, Baltimore's star safety will be ready by the start of training camp.

"Kyle will be ready," Harbaugh said. "Kyle had some loose bodies in his elbow that they went ahead and just plucked out. So, it's a two-to-three-week deal." While Hamilton won't suit up in minicamp, this doesn't sound like anything that will keep him down for too long.

Baltimore Ravens star Kyle Hamilton not participating in minicamp due to elbow procedure

The Ravens let Geno Stone walk and didn't spend a premium pick in the NFL Draft on a replacement with the thought Hamilton's rise to superstardom could paper over the cracks. Hamilton fulfilled every iota of hype he had when he was regarded as one of the best defensive back prospects in years at Notre Dame.

Hamilton recorded 13 pass breakups, three sacks, and four interceptions last season in a tour-de-force performance that established him as one of the best in the game at his position. A First-Team All-Pro could help Ravens fans make the argument that none were better across the NFL.

The Ravens are poised to have one of the best defenses in the league despite new defensive coordinator Zach Orr replacing new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. With $98 million defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and another First-Team All-Pro player in Roquan Smith at linebacker in addition to Hamilton, Baltimore is ready to go on the attack.

Hamilton seems on track to return to his role as a lynchpin of one of the best defenses in the league despite his medical troubles sidelining him. Ravens fans can rest easy knowing that No. 14 should still be ready to go when the rubber hits the road.