Sizing Up the Baltimore Ravens' Roster

As the Ravens prepare for their second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night, here is the roster breakdown.

The high number of injuries has clouded the roster outlook in the last few weeks. Key injuries to tackles Jared Gaither and Adam Terry, running back Willis McGahee, defensive tackles Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata, cornerback Chris McAlister, and safety Ed Reed have caused the front office to search for added depth at certain positions. 

Listed in parentheses behind each position is the number of players the team would likely keep. Players no longer on the roster are listed as either CUT or I.R. (injured-reserve).

Quarterback (3)          

LOCK: Kyle Boller, Joe Flacco, Troy Smith

BUBBLE:  None

LONGSHOT:  None

CUT:  Brad Roach

Skinny: The quarterback competition is as uncertain now as it was in late July, as Boller and Smith had uneven performances against New England. Hopefully, the picture becomes clearer when Smith gets the start against Minnesota. 

Running Back (3)          

LOCK: Willis McGahee, Ray Rice

BUBBLE: Alex Haynes, Allen Patrick, Corey Ross

LONGSHOT: None   

I.R.: P.J. Daniels

Skinny: McGahee’s arthroscopic left-knee surgery has thrown Rice into the starting tailback position for the time being. Coaches would really like to see a running back emerge from the pack to win the third running-back spot.

This becomes more critical has McGahee’s status for Week One remains unclear. The Ravens could conceivably carry a fourth running back, depending on special-teams play.

Fullback (2)                 

LOCK: Le’Ron McClain

BUBBLE: Lorenzo Neal

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Justin Green, Jake Nordin

Skinny:  In a surprise move, the Ravens cut Green on Monday and signed the former Pro Bowl veteran Neal on Aug. 12. Neal is very familiar with Cam Cameron’s offense, dating back to their days with the San Diego Chargers. 

Neal will provide tutoring to the talented younger McClain. McClain was more involved in the offense in the first preseason game than he was at any point last season.

Tight End (3)               

LOCK: Todd Heap, Daniel Wilcox

BUBBLE: Adam Bergen, Aaron Walker, Keith Weinrich

LONGSHOT: None

CUT: Lee Vickers

Skinny: Depth at tight end continues to be a major concern, as Heap battles a nagging calf injury and Wilcox continues to recover from offseason toe surgery. Bergen blocked poorly against New England. The tight ends will need to be strong blockers, given the Ravens’ uncertainty at the offensive tackle position.

Wide Receiver (6)

LOCK: Mark Clayton, Yamon Figurs (return specialist), Derrick Mason, Marcus Smith, Demetrius Williams

BUBBLE: Patrick Carter, Justin Harper, Darnerien McCants,

LONGSHOT: Kerry Reed, Ernie Wheelwright, Matt Willis

Skinny

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