All-Pro Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton left the third quarter of Sunday’s AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a concussion, and Baltimore quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game.
The Steelers immediately took advantage of his absence and picked up their first touchdown drive of the game following his exit en route to a 26-24 win to claim the AFC North and eliminate the Ravens from the playoffs.
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The Steelers scored 23 of their 26 points following Hamilton’s exit as Aaron Rodgers repeatedly connected on downfield passes while throwing for 294 yards. This was following a three-point effort from the Steelers in the first half.
Hamilton sustained the injury on Pittsburgh’s first drive of the second half at Arcisure Stadium when he collided helmet-to-helmet with teammate Alohi Gilman. The back of Hamilton’s helmet hit the turf after the collision.
Hamilton remained down on the turf for several moments, but was eventually able to walk off the field on his own.
Both Gilman and Hamilton underwent concussion evaluations in a sideline medical tent. Gilman was cleared to return, but Hamilton left the field on a cart. The Ravens ruled him out before the conclusion of the third quarter.
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Following Hamilton’s exit, the Steelers marched for their first touchdown of the game to tie it at 10.
A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro in his four NFL seasons, Hamilton is the anchor of Baltimore’s secondary and arguably their most valuable defender. In addition to the concern for his health, the Ravens were significantly handicapped without him on the field.
The game erupted following his exit with 27 combined points in the fourth quarter. The Steelers secured the win when Baltimore kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired.
The Steelers will now host the Houston Texans in the wild-card playoff round next week. Baltimore’s season is over.
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