Do the Ravens need to sign another RB with Gus Edwards out?

The Baltimore Ravens were hit with some unfortunate news to start training camp on Tuesday as it was revealed that running back Gus Edwards had tested positive for COVID-19.

As a result, Edwards is expected to miss the first 10 days of training camp as he will be forced to self-isolate for the time being.

This comes shortly following the news that over 90 percent of Ravens players have been vaccinated with that number set to climb. However, as Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic noted, the timetable that Edwards is sidelined for indicates that he is, indeed, unvaccinated.

Edwards hopefully won’t be out for long, but this does put the Ravens in a tricky situation given their lack of depth in the running back room.

So should the Ravens consider adding another running back for the time being with Edwards out?

Should the Ravens sign a running back with Gus Edwards sidelined?

Edwards is expected to split carries with second-year running back J.K. Dobbins in 2021. Dobbins and Edwards make up a formidable duo, but the depth behind them is lacking.

2019 fourth-round pick Justice Hill will likely take over as the No. 2 running back while Edwards is out. Hill saw his role in the offense diminish in 2020 as he was used almost exclusively on special teams.

But if Edwards (or Dobbins, for that matter) is forced to miss any time, he’s the player the Ravens will call upon.

The only other two running backs on the Ravens roster are 2020 undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams and 2021 undrafted free agent Nate McCrary — neither of which have played in an NFL game.

The Ravens could consider signing another running back to provide insurance in case Edwards misses more time than expected. The most likely addition would be Todd Gurley who visited with the team last month.

Gurley is a shell of his former self, but would at least give the Ravens another experienced player in the backfield. However, it’s likely this isn’t the route they take.

Barring any setbacks, Edwards shouldn’t be out more than a week and a half. With that in mind, it’s unlikely that Baltimore feels the need to add another running back to the mix.

But don’t rule it out if Edwards is forced to miss more time than expected.