Justice Hill

When asked about Justice Hill’s evolution into this upcoming season, Harbaugh continues to speak highly of Hill. Claiming ““He is a high caliber running back… I think he’s gonna play a lot.” Especially referring to the AFC Divisional game in 2023 where Hill he had 77 total yards on 15 touches. Hill could have a presence in the upcoming season with his complimentary style to Derrick Henry’s allowing him to have value in fantasy football in deeper leagues.

Justice Hill will continue to be valuable in fantasy football as a handcuff with Derrick Henry owners. His growth in the offense, as well as the Ravens moving on from Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins has allowed for more opportunities and chances to make an impression.

It’s not all bad news for the Ravens this week, well kind of. Baltimore losses two starting WRs but gets back a RB this week in Justice Hill. Justice Hill is coming back from a toe injury in week 4 and is going to be needed as the Ravens continue to struggle with fielding healthy players.

Justice Hill missed week 3 with a toe injury and the Ravens lost a close game to the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens are hoping that Justice Hill returning to the lineup this week will help them put up more than 19 points as they continue to adapt to this new offense whilst also dealing with a myriad of injuries.

Justice Hill role in the Baltimore O has been defined as the lead RB, he received a higher snap share in weeks 1 and 2 and had more opportunities weeks 1 and 2 than fellow backfield mate Augustus Gus Bus Edwards. The Ravens signed RB Kenyan Drake and activated RB Melvin Gordon last week and used both of them in the game which limited Gus Edwards touches to 11 total opportunities while Gordon saw 12 total opportunities including the more valuable receiving game usage earning 2 targets and he tied Edwards with 1 red zone touch in the game. Hill returning and Melvin Gordon set to being elevated to the active roster agains means Kenyan Drake who saw 4 total opportunities last week will get nine this week. Hill will resume his lead back role with a mix of early down work and passing game usage similar to how we saw Melvin Gordon operate in week 3 next to Gus. Although Hill is the lead when healthy right now, there is a rookie RB by the name of Keaton Mitchell who is set to make his return off the IR next week. Mitchell impressed in training camp and in the preseason, and his explosive speed and playmaking ability will get him on the field for a Baltimore team that needs more explosive playmaking from their RBs. Stash Mitchell now and get a running back with the potential to take over a lucrative Baltimore backfield.

The Baltimore Ravens injury luck has been nonexistent for several years, and their backfield injuries rival even those of the 49ers. JK Dobbins replacements were supposed to be Justice Hill and Gus Edwards, and after one week of that tandem Hill is now ruled out with a toe injury.

Justice Hill was trending toward inactive all week the Ravens added Kenyan Drake to their practice squad earlier in the week. We should expect Drake, who played admirably for the Ravens last year, to be elevated to the active roster for game day as the Ravens only have 2 RBs active right now.

Gus Edwards should get the lead rushing role in the Ravens backfield this week. Melvin Gordon should be in line to soak up some of the pass game usage Justice Hill left behind. And when Kenyan Drake is activated we could be looking at the dreaded 3-way committee backfield if neither impresses.

How the mighty have fallen. After being waived last season by the Denver Broncos, Melvin Gordon signed with the Ravens to see if he could find a spark to get his career back on track. Unfortunately, after providing just 59 yards on 17 carries during the pre-season, the Ravens have decided to part ways with the former pro-bowler.

Now that the 53-man roster is set, the Ravens will be rolling with J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and talented undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell at running back. Dobbins will be the RB1 heading into the season with Edwards and Hill being mixed into the offense.

As for Mitchell, Gordon’s release signals to fantasy managers that Keaton is a name to remember in deeper dynasty leagues. Over his last two seasons at East Carolina, Mitchell has carried the ball 375 times for 2,584 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s also illustrated that he can be a weapon out of the backfield by posting 49 receptions for 505 yards and two touchdowns. The three running backs ahead of Mitchell have not been the greatest pillars of good health, especially Dobbins and Edwards. This could lead to more opportunities in the offense sooner rather than later. If you have the space in your deep dynasty leagues Mitchell is a player you should consider stashing.

The Baltimore Ravens placed J.K. Dobbins on the Physically Unable to Perform list citing the knee injury that knocked Dobbins out of the 2021 season and parts of 2022. In reality, everyone knows J.K. Dobbins is not practicing because he is unhappy with his current contract. The Ravens do not view Dobbins’ “injury” as a distraction as Harbaugh is in regular communication with his running back.

In the short term, Gus Edwards, Melvin Gordon, and Justice Hill will split time with the First Team O while UDFA Keaton Mitchell tries to make the roster. In the long term, J.K. Dobbins has no leverage and the Ravens will not extend him early, meaning Dobbins will report to camp before Week 1 and will play all 17 games in hopes of securing a bag. Expect Dobbins to see 60%+ of the touches in a true bell cow capacity in a wide-open, spread offense under Todd Monken.