Baltimore Beatdown
As numerous player cuts loom tomorrow so the Ravens can get their roster to 53 players, one potential question mark has been answered. While speaking to reporters on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh proclaimed that inside linebacker Jake Hummel would make the team — and also reported that the veteran underwent a procedure for a hand injury.
“He’s going to make the team,” Harbaugh said of Hummel. “He’s going to be a big part of what we’re doing … he should be back practicing next Wednesday and should be good to go.”
Hummel was signed to a one-year deal by the Ravens at the very onset of free agency. He was believed to be a near-lock to ultimately make the final roster all along. However, in recent weeks, the emergence of undrafted defensive rookies has created more of a crunch on the margins than many anticipated.
In particular, former All-American Jay Higgins IV out of Iowa, who plays the inside linebacker position as well, has made a strong case for himself. Higgins has made a good impression in training camp and was one of the team’s leading defensive playmakers in the preseason.
Hummel’s main calling card is his prowess on special teams, which made him an obvious signing for the Ravens back in the spring. The Ravens covet special team aces and needed to replace the departed Chris Board and Malik Harrison. Hummel both adds depth at the position and can help offset the loss of these players, particularly Board — who has been a leading special teams contributor for the Ravens over the years.
As Harbaugh noted, the 26-year-old’s recovery is expected to be quick and he’s likely to be available to suit up for the regular season opener. With his status as a roster-lock now confirmed, the looming soon-to-be answered question begs: will there be room for Higgins to make the team as well?
In order for that to happen, the Ravens would have to keep five linebackers on the roster, which means subtracting from another position group. Granting Higgins a roster spot likely means excluding a fourth running back, extra defensive back or extra defensive lineman.
We will soon find out how Harbaugh and the Ravens’ brain trust decide to crunch the numbers for the final few spots on the roster.
