Ravens practice squad projection before 53-man roster cuts
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The Ravens will have useful players left over when they reduce their roster to 53.
That makes the practice squad an important part of the next round of decisions. Baltimore needs players who can prepare the starters during the week, provide replacements when injuries occur, and continue to develop without a permanent spot on the active roster.
This projection follows the accompanying 53-man forecast. It includes 16 standard spots and C.J. Okoye as the projected additional international player. NFL rules allow the extra place when a qualifying player is designated, and Baltimore received an offseason exemption for Okoye via the NFL roster rules.
Players subject to waivers must clear before returning. Others can choose to sign elsewhere. These are projected signings, not assignments Baltimore can make unilaterally.
| Player | Position | Reason to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Reed | QB | Another passer for practice work and injury coverage. |
| Rasheen Ali | RB | Backfield depth with kickoff return experience. |
| Dayton Wade | WR | A receiver already familiar with the offense and return assignments. |
| Chris Moore | WR | Veteran depth for an otherwise young group of reserve receivers. |
| Gerad Lichtenhan | OT | A right tackle option if the active roster carries only nine linemen. |
| Diego Pounds | OT | Continued development without requiring an immediate game-day role. |
| Corey Bullock | G/C | Interior flexibility, including another option at center. |
| Evan Beerntsen | G | Time to develop behind the active guards. |
| Rayshaun Benny | DL | Interior depth after a difficult numbers decision. |
| David Olajiga | DL | Another defensive line option for practice and future openings. |
| Adisa Isaac | OLB | Continued evaluation if he clears waivers after missing the initial 53. |
| Kaimon Rucker | OLB | Edge depth behind a crowded active group. |
| Dominic DeLuca | ILB | Development at linebacker and on special teams. |
| Bilhal Kone | CB | A chance to continue his evaluation, subject to health and waiver clearance. |
| Robert Longerbeam | CB | Additional coverage depth outside the projected top six corners. |
| K'Von Wallace | S | An experienced replacement option behind the active safeties. |
Projected international spot: C.J. Okoye
This forecast uses the additional international place for Okoye, provided Baltimore applies the designation when assembling the practice squad. It does not count both Okoye and Olajiga as exempt players.
The decisions that could change this group
Benny, Pounds and Isaac are among the players Baltimore could lose if another team offers an active-roster opportunity. A strong finale could also move one of them onto the Ravens' 53, sending a different player into this projection. Kone's health requires attention. A practice squad return is a possible outcome only if his medical and transaction status allow it; an injury designation would change the plan.
Nick Dawkins, Ty Pezza, Lucas Scott, Michael Barrett and Silas Walters are other candidates. The Ravens could also sign players released elsewhere, particularly if those players address a need the current group does not.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens practice squad projection before 53-man roster cuts
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