Ravens boost WR depth with Andy Isabella signing
By Kristen Wong
The Baltimore Ravens signed Andy Isabella to their practice squad on Wednesday in a move that pads their wide receiver corps with extra depth and talent.
Isabella was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday, and despite rumored interest from several NFL teams, he cleared waivers.
The former second-round pick failed to make much of an impact in three seasons with the Cardinals, recording just 31 catches for 426 yards. Isabella never amounted to anything more than a backup in Arizona, and even though he’s currently on the Ravens’ practice squad he has the potential to move up into a starting role.
The signing comes after news of Rashod Bateman’s injury — Bateman hurt his foot in the second half of the Bills game, re-entered the game briefly, but ultimately sat out. He’s reportedly day-to-day with his injury and his status for Week 5 remains uncertain.
Ravens secure wide receiver depth following Rashod Bateman’s foot injury
Devin Duvernay will serve as the team’s top wideout threat if Bateman isn’t ready to go, and for his part, Duvernay has been performing extremely well through four games of the season.
In 2022, he has recorded 14.3 yards per catch, a career-high, and caught 12-of-13 targets for 172 yards and three touchdowns.
It’s somewhat comforting to see the Ravens add insurance at wide receiver given that the position usually isn’t the team’s highest priority. Behind Bateman and Duvernay, the team has James Proche and Tylan Wallace to take snaps if need be.
Baltimore acquired Demarcus Robinson earlier this summer who serves as a solid veteran wideout, but signing a talent with arguably more upside in Andy Isabella is an all-around good move.
Keep an eye on whether Isabella can ascend the ranks and at least earn rotational snaps in the coming weeks.