Gus Edwards proved his value to the Ravens in his Week 7 return

It was a return to remember for Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards who played his first NFL regular-season game in nearly two years in Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns.

Edwards was activated off the PUP list prior to Sunday’s game and he wasted little time getting himself reacquainted with Ravens fans. The 27-year-old didn’t just return to play a part-time role — he was the featured starter.

Edwards finished the game with 66 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, immediately reminding the Ravens exactly how special he is.

For a Ravens rushing attack that has been stagnant, aside from Lamar Jackson, for most of the 2022 season, Edwards’ return breathed a new life into the offense. And in many ways, he helped lead the team to a crucial 23-20 victory over their division rivals.

The Ravens sure are happy to have Gus Edwards back

Edwards scored Baltimore’s first touchdown of the game, giving the team a 13-10 lead after a seven-yard score late in the second quarter. He came back with a second score the following quarter, punching it in from the one-yard line to extend his team’s lead to 20-10.

As The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec put it, “when the Ravens needed toughness and grit, Edwards exemplified those efforts.”

It was Edwards’ first NFL game in 645 days, and while it may take a little more time for him to fully return to his pre-injury form, Edwards showed few signs of rust during the game.

Edwards spoke about what his return meant to him after the game.

"“It’s a blessing, I just want to give God his glory,” Edwards said. “It took a lot of patience through all the adversity I faced through the injury. I’m just blessed to be in this position a year later.”"

The Ravens may have lost J.K. Dobbins to injury again, but the return of the “Gus Bus” helped reignite an offense that desperately needed a new sense of energy.

Edwards is the gritty, powerful runner that this Ravens offense needs — and one they’ve been missing for far too long. It sure feels good to have Gus Edwards back.