The Baltimore Ravens will feel the loss of J.K. Dobbins in a big way this season. There’s really no way around it.
Sure, the team hopes that the always reliable Gus Edwards can step up and take on a larger role with Dobbins out. But the offense will be missing an important piece following Dobbins’ season-ending knee injury.
Evidently, the Ravens aren’t content with their running back situation. Despite what head coach John Harbaugh has publicly said to the media.
That’s because the Ravens were one of three teams to place a claim on former Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman this week, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
The Carolina Panthers had priority in the waiver wire order which is why they were able to land the former third-round pick. But clearly, the Ravens were looking to add another player to their backfield.
The Ravens aren’t done exploring running back options with J.K. Dobbins out
A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Freeman was somewhat surprisingly waived this week after three years in Denver. The former Oregon standout saw his role diminish last season, but he did manage to average a career-best 4.9 yards per carry in limited playing time.
Freeman’s experience in a power-run offense made him appealing to the Ravens. But ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be.
That doesn’t mean the Ravens are done looking for an upgrade, however. In fact, it seems like close to a guarantee that they’ll at least make one addition before the season starts.
The practice squad still has two open spots left (one if you include Josh Bynes who is expected to sign). With Nate McCrary getting claimed off waivers by Freeman’s former team, it’s highly likely the Ravens look to add a running back to their practice squad before Week 1.
Could that player be an external addition or could it be someone like, say, Justice Hill who was on the roster bubble before Dobbins’ injury.
Hill found himself usurped on the depth chart by former undrafted free agent Ty’Son Williams who appears to be slotted in as the designated RB2 behind Edwards.
If the Ravens were to sign a veteran, that would probably leave Hill without a roster spot. But if he passed through waivers, it’s likely he’d go straight to Baltimore’s practice squad.
Veterans such as Todd Gurley, Duke Johnson, Devonta Freeman, Kerryon Johnson, and others remain available.
Expect the Ravens to make one running back addition before the season starts, whether it’s to the active roster or practice squad.
Evidently, they’re still exploring their options.