Baltimore Ravens Release RB Anthony Allen, Rookie Bobby Rainey Likely Safe

The first wave of the Baltimore Ravens' roster cuts came early on Friday, as the team worked its way down to 53 players. Of those released, of note is running back Anthony Allen, one of four backs vying for the chance to be No. 2 to starter Ray Rice.

Allen's release was reported by Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun; Jason Butt of CBS reports that Allen did indeed practice today, but that is no indication he will remain on the team.

Allen was hoping to hold off Damien Berry and rookies Bernard Pierce and Bobby Rainey, but his shoddy preseason performance clearly didn't help his cause. 

A seventh-round draft pick in 2011, Allen was active in just five games for the Ravens last year and had just three rushes for eight total yards. He entered training camp at No. 2 on the depth chart, and though on paper it seemed to be a stretch he'd hold off third-rounder Pierce for the job, at least the Ravens' confidence was with Allen.

But clearly, that confidence waned once padded practices commenced and preseason games were played. Allen had just 11 carries in the preseason, for a total of 19 yards, and was targeted in the passing game six times, with three receptions for 32 yards. He had neither a pass thrown his way nor a handoff in his direction against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, an ominous sign.

Other backs, like Pierce, Berry and Rainey, have proven their usefulness not just as a traditional running back or as a receiver, but also in blocking and pass protection, while Allen never seemed to excel in those areas. Versatility is key for a running back, and especially so when trying to earn a roster spot in Baltimore, considering that no one is going to leapfrog Rice and take over the starting job.

The back who benefits the most from Allen's release is Rainey, who, despite his undrafted pedigree, has all the tools to be a solid Ravens running back. He's a willing blocker, a sure-handed receiver and a tough back who doesn't shy away from contact.

There's little chance the Ravens could retain Rainey on their practice squad—he'd never make it through waivers—and he has proven himself worthy of a roster spot based on his play in the preseason.

Further, Berry, who isn't thought to be in danger of being cut, has vertebrae damage and a trapezius injury, which means the Ravens are nearly required to keep Rainey around. There are far, far worse things they could do.

Rainey rushed 23 times for 55 yards in the past four games—not an impressive number, no, and he does have a lost fumble to his name. But he also caught 14 of the 19 passes thrown his way for 163 yards and two scores and has been useful as both a kick and punt returner.

Those pass-catching skills will be the most valuable to the Ravens this year. They're still fond of quick, short passes to running backs, and Rainey can be used in that capacity on downs when they'd prefer to preserve the highly paid Rice.

Allen's greatest upside was the potential he had yet to flash in his year in Baltimore; the full extent of Rainey's upside has yet to be revealed, and his potential has proven far greater. Though the door has closed for Allen with the Ravens, it's now wide open for Rainey, whose next task will be to bump Pierce down the depth chart and try to become a long-lasting member of this team. So far, so good.

Update: Rainey contacted WNST.net on Friday afternoon and confirmed he has indeed made the Ravens' 53-man roster.

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