The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Dallas Cowboys in their Week 2 preseason matchup, excelling in every aspect of the game en route to a 31-13 victory. While spirits are high after such a strong win, the end in Baltimore is near for several players.
In a few short weeks, the Ravens will trim down their roster to 53 players. Many of those cuts will rejoin the team on the practice squad, but others will ultimately catch on with another team. Two players Baltimore cannot afford to take that chance on are defensive back Reuben Lowery and center Corey Bullock.
Lowery and Bullock were both long shots to make the initial 53-man roster entering training camp, but the two have taken significant strides and have quickly made a name for themselves. Their strong camp showings have translated on the field, too, making plays in the team’s preseason wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Cowboys. Entering the final weeks before the regular season, they are must-haves on the roster come Week 1.
Ravens can’t afford to cut Reuben Lowery or Corey Bullock
Though they may only see limited action outside special teams if retained, Lowery and Bullock show potential to become real contributors. If Baltimore retains the two talented players, they should reap the rewards in the future.
In Lowery’s case, he has more competition on the roster. He is a versatile defensive back, taking snaps at slot corner and deep safety. Season-ending injuries to Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam have opened up roster space, and Lowery has pounced on the opportunity.
The 23-year-old has made countless plays in training camp, bringing a ballhawking ability to a secondary that lacked consistent takeaways in 2024. He showcased that trait against the Cowboys, intercepting quarterback Joe Milton III in the end zone on the first play of their drive.
Lowery was the best player on Baltimore’s defense in Week 2 per Pro Football Focus (PFF). It was a much-needed performance following his Week 1 game against the Colts, which earned him only a 64.1 grade. If he can keep this momentum, he should be an easy pick to make the final roster.
For Bullock, his path is much more straightforward. He must beat out second-year center Nick Samac and seventh-round rookie Garrett Dellinger. So far, he is on the right track.
The former Maryland Terrapin has taken snaps with the second offensive line unit in camp and is getting the starts at center in preseason. Against the Colts, he impressed with a 71.7 overall grade per PFF. In the team’s Week 2 matchup with the Cowboys, he turned heads again, earning praise from running back Rasheen Ali.
"It's amazing," Rasheen Ali said of OL Corey Bullock's rise up the depth chart. "I was actually talking to him maybe two days ago, just telling him how proud I was.
— Giana Han (@giana_jade) August 17, 2025
I was like, 'Bro, where did you go to train in the offseason? You look great!' And he just started laughing."
Quarterback Cooper Rush also lauded Bullock for his efforts in his postgame press conference on Saturday night.
“[Corey Bullock] is very smart, he knows what’s going on, getting everyone going,” Rush said. “I think he leads to how we played tonight; in rhythm, guys were going to the right places, that’s all Corey. Really fun to be around, good player, asks questions, he’s all about it.”
The two young players are in the right place as the team nears roster cuts. They are gaining momentum with each passing day, and they undoubtedly deserve a place in Baltimore in 2025.