Baltimore adds a third running back after losing yet another to a season ending injury.
In the wake of what is feared to be a torn ACL suffered by Gus Edwards during Thursday’s practice, the Ravens are adding another veteran running back. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Baltimore had signed Devonta Freeman to the practice squad earlier today.
Ravens now are signing veteran free-agent RB Devonta Freeman to their practice squad, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus. The idea is that Freeman will be promoted to Ravens’ active roster.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2021
Freeman was one of several players at the position that were brought in for workouts earlier this week. He now joins three-time Pro Bowler Le’Veon Bell as the second notable free agent running back to sign to the Ravens practice squad, with the expectation of being promoted to the active roster in short order.
Unlike Bell, Freeman played in the preseason and might be ready to play as soon as the season opener. Freeman is a two-time Pro Bowler himself and had the best stretch of his career from 2015-17, but has struggled with injuries and consistency over the last three seasons.
He appeared in five games with the New York Giants last season and spent the 2021 preseason with the New Orleans Saints before being released during the final round of cuts. At this stage in his career, Freeman has proven to be a better pass-catcher coming out of the backfield than he is a runner. Over the past two seasons, he’s averaged 7.1 yards per reception compared to an underwhelming 3.5 yards per carry.
The 29-year-old will try to help offset the loss of Edwards who was set to be featured running back on Baltimore’s backfield after the loss of J.K. Dobbins to the same injury on the first of their third and final preseason game.