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Should Justice Hill Receive More Touches?
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- Should Justice Hill Receive More Touches?
Justice Hill has primarily served as Baltimore's pass-catching back and a change-of-pace option behind Derrick Henry. On Sunday, the veteran showed why he might deserve a few more opportunities with the ball in his hands. Hill finished with 73 rushing yards on just four carries. It was not his first efficient rushing performance this season, either. Against Dallas, Hill gained 33 yards on five attempts, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
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Oct 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) celebrates with running back Justice Hill (43) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Three of Hill's four carries came in third-down situations. This could serve as a reason Hill had so many open lanes, as teams have come to expect a pass when he is on the field. But Hill himself deserves credit for his ability to make these chunk plays happen.
The biggest example came midway through the third quarter. Hill lined up at fullback and took the handoff on third-and-1. He immediately cut through the middle, slipped past a diving Jessie Bates III and accelerated upfield. Hill was eventually forced out of bounds, but the 47-yard gain dramatically flipped field position and turned what could have been a simple conversion into one of Baltimore's biggest plays of the game.
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Hill does not need to suddenly split carries with Derrick Henry. The veteran has remained Baltimore's bell cow despite his age, and that seems unlikely to change. However, it may be worth monitoring Henry's workload as the season progresses; he has recorded at least 20 carries in every game but one this season.
Henry has long been praised for his excellent conditioning and durability, but Baltimore still has reason to manage his workload with the postseason in mind. Giving even three or four additional carries to Hill could lighten Henry's burden while creating more opportunities for Hill to showcase the explosiveness he displayed against Atlanta.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
