The Baltimore Ravens have constructed their 53-man roster, and for the most part, so is their practice squad. The toughest decisions of the summer are signed, sealed, and delivered. They can now focus on getting work in on the field ahead of the regular season.
And that work includes welcoming a slew of names back into the fold. Many players who were cut found a way back on the practice squad. Two of the most relieving names were probably Rayshaun Benny and Kaimon Rucker.
Benny and Rucker were among the toughest cuts Baltimore had to make. They played so well through training camp and preseason—there just wasn’t room for them on the active roster. Luckily, the promising, young duo is already back in the purple and black.
Baltimore Ravens get Rayshaun Benny and Kaimon Rucker back on the practice squad
You’re always taking a risk when you release young players who are showing their potential for every team to see. Fortunately, the risk isn’t as great as it usually seems. This year, the Ravens only lost one player on waivers. That was Corey Bullock, who was claimed by the Carolina Panthers.
Still, you can’t take your luck for granted when those players fall right back into your lap. It doesn’t always happen, and Baltimore should be elated that Benny and Rucker are back on their side of the field. They could be important depth.
Benny was touted as a draft steal when he was selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He didn’t crack the Ravens’ defensive line rotation, as John Jenkins, Broderick Washington, and Aeneas Peebles beat him out for what will be a six-man group. If he keeps impressing coaches and teammates, though, Benny’s time will come.
Whether it be now or another year down the line, Benny will have a chance to crack the rotation eventually. This year will be very telling for Washington; he’s been on the struggle bus ever since signing an extension back in 2023. Then there’s Campbell and Jenkins, who are deep into their careers and on one-year deals.
Benny will use this time on the practice squad to sharpen his skills. As long as he continues to progress, there’s a strong possibility he’ll make the 53-man roster next year. And heck, if things go awry along the defensive front in 2026, he could find his way there this season.
As for Rucker, the second time wasn't the charm. He was once again a preseason standout, showcasing an intriguing ability to bring pressure off the edge. Unfortunately, the depth that Baltimore has built there was too much to overcome.
You can never have too many pass rushers, though.
Rucker landing on the practice squad (along with Adisa Isaac) is the best-case scenario for a team that couldn’t get consistent pressure for the life of them last year. It looks like a group that can go four deep off the edge out of the gate, and if development goes according to plan, there will be no shortage of names who will know how to bring down opposing quarterbacks.
While practice squad players don’t always get a lot of love, Benny and Rucker will be valuable. Injuries happen, so when you have guys in your corner who looked the part in training camp and preseason, you might have one less problem to worry about.
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