Ravens sign RB Trenton Cannon to active roster

Baltimore brings in running back and special teams depth.

The Baltimore Ravens had their running back depth chart cut in half by the season ending injuries to J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill. On Wednesday, they continued to replenish their ranks with the signing of free agent Trenton Cannon to the active roster.

This move comes a day after they announced the signing of three-time Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell to their practice squad with the intentions of promoting him when he’s ready to play.

Cannon and Bell were among several free agents at the position that the team brought in for workouts earlier in the week. Cannon was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Virginia State University by the New York Jets, where he spent the first two years of his career before playing for the Carolina Panthers in 2020.

While Bell will eventually be brought up to contribute on offense, Cannon will be expected to be an instant contributor on special teams.

Hill was one of the Ravens best special teams players last year as gunner on punt and kick coverage, and also served as the backup kick returner. Cannon has extensive experience performing both duties and recorded a career-high 298 yards on 10 returns including a long of 98.

The Ravens had a firsthand look at Cannon during training camp and the preseason. They held two days of joint practices with the Panthers before their Week 2 exhibition game. He was waived by Carolina after they claimed Royce Freeman off waivers.

In coinciding roster moves, the Ravens officially placed Hill on season-ending injured reserve to make room for Cannon on the active roster and released veteran safety Jordan Richards from the practice squad to make room for Bell.