Baltimore Beatdown
We’ve had two weeks’ worth of preseason games, injuries, and press conference updates. Let’s take a look at where I think players stand now for each position group heading into the last week of preseason. The 53-man roster must be finalized by August 27th at 4pm EST.
Locks: Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush
Long shot: Devin Leary
After a bounce-back performance in Week 2, Cooper Rush officially locks in his backup role behind Lamar Jackson, not that it was ever in actual danger. Fans will still stress about the picks he’s thrown, but overall, Rush can lead an offense with Henry, Flowers, Bateman, Andrews and more driving it. Devin Leary likely heads for the practice squad, looking to continue to develop and improve into an eventual NFL backup.
Locks: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Patrick Ricard (Fullback)
Bubble: Rasheen Ali
Long shot: D’Ernest Johnson, Myles Gaskin, Lucas Scott (FB)
Rasheen Ali might be a lock after John Harbaugh’s comments following the Cowboys game, stating four running backs is the plan. But keeping four running backs plus Ricard seems a hefty load with the other roster crunches going around. Whether Ali makes the roster or not, expect one of Johnson or Gaskin to make it as the emergency running back, with Ali either on the 53 or likely to another team. Scott is also a practice squad candidate as the backup fullback and maybe the plan for whenever Ricard retires.
Locks: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely*, Charlie Kolar
Long shot: Scotty Washington, Zaire Mitchell-Paden, Baylor Cupp
For now, Likely is not an Injured Reserve candidate, with the plan for him to hopefully be ready by week one against Buffalo. Even if Likely isn’t ready then, he’d have to be in line to miss the first quarter of the season for the Ravens to put him on IR. If Likely does go on IR, I don’t think the Ravens will carry a third tight end and will use the extra spot to fill in holes elsewhere on the roster. Washington and Mitchell-Paden are the most likely practice squad candidates.
Locks: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Tylan Wallace, Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester
Long shot: Anthony Miller, Dayton Wade, Malik Cunningham, Jahmal Banks, Keith Kirkwood, Xavier Guillory
This has been locked in from the start. Wester has earned his game day activation with his punt returning, and Walker earned his with a massive summer and a breakout game against the Cowboys. The Ravens will probably activate all six wideouts each game at this point, leading to decisions elsewhere. Miller, Wade, and Cunningham will be the favorites for the practice squad, but more could join.
Locks: Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Roger Rosengarten, Corey Bullock, Ben Cleveland, Joseph Noteboom, Carson Vinson
Bubble: Nick Samac, Garrett Dellinger
Long shot: Darrian Dalcourt, Gerad Lichtenhan, Reid Holskey, Jared Penning
The top nine locks might be it. If the Ravens do...
