The Baltimore Ravens have finally decided to bring a warm body to their roster to bolster their backfield after losing J.K. Dobbins for the remainder of the year with a season-ending injury following his Achilles tear.
Reports emerged early yesterday about Baltimore's interest in signing Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, and a just a little bit later more information popped up about the Ravens hosting their former 2022 rusher Kenyan Drake for a workout on Tuesday.
After holding those trials, which ultimately also involved two other veteran rushers (James Robinson and Ronald Jones, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic), the Ravens have made a final choice to reinforce their hampered backfield.
The #Ravens are signing RB Kenyan Drake to their practice squad, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 20, 2023
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first broke the news, reporting the Ravens are "signing RB Kenyan Drake to their practice squad," according to sources close to the player and the franchise.
Drake joins a practice squad that also features fellow veteran running back Melvin Gordon, who was active for Week 2, as the former Super Bowl champ was moved to the 53-man roster for the game against Cincinnati last Sunday.
In 2022, Drake spent the season in Baltimore, amassing 482 yards and scoring four touchdowns in 12 games. The seasoned 29-year-old running back carried the ball 109 times that season and also hauled in 27 receptions resulting in 89 receiving yards and a receiving TD.
Last season, Drake served as a contingency running back for the Ravens, a role he may well assume again if he secures a new contract. It's worth noting that the Ravens already added another veteran, Melvin Gordon III, to their roster or practice squad earlier this summer.
Gordon was activated before Week 2 due to J.K. Dobbins' season-ending injury, creating a three-man backfield alongside Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. However, Gordon, a former Super Bowl champion, didn't play a single snap against the Bengals.
Now, the question is what Baltimore with do with Gordon going forward.
After he wasn't used and considering the experience of Drake within the Ravens system, it's fair to assume that Gordon's days as a member of the Flock are numbered.