Ravens activate RB Bell vs. Broncos
Wide receivers Bateman, Boykin won’t return for game
The Ravens have activated running back Le’Veon Bell from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game in Denver against the undefeated Broncos, his first promotion to the active roster since being signed Sept. 7.
Practice squad offensive tackle Andre Smith on Saturday was activated as a reserve/COVID-19 replacement for outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson, who will miss his second straight game.
Meanwhile, wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin, who were designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and practiced this week, were not activated for Sunday’s game. Teams have a 21-day window to move a designated player to the 53-man roster or season-ending IR.
The Ravens also placed defensive end Derek Wolfe (back/hip) on IR. Wolfe, who has not appeared in a game this season, will miss at least the next three weeks and could return as early as the Ravens’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bell, 29, a three-time All-Pro for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has rushed for just 1,117 yards on 3.4 yards per carry over the past two seasons. He had 66 catches for 461 yards for the New York Jets in 2019, then had a combined 16 receptions for 138 yards for the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs last year. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday that Bell, who wasn’t in training camp this season, has had to get back into shape since arriving in Baltimore.
“I think he has a really good enthusiasm,” Roman said. “He’s a smart guy, and it’ll be interesting to see how he can help us. So far, I’ve been very impressed with him. You can see why he’s been so successful, and hopefully, he can add something to us at some point this year.”
With J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill all out for the season, the Ravens have relied on Ty’Son Williams, Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman to carry the rushing load behind quarterback Lamar Jackson. Bell’s arrival will crowd the timeshare even further.
Defensive back Kevon Seymour, a special teams contributor, was also called up for the second time this season. Under NFL rules, two players can be promoted to the active roster each week. Players can return to the practice squad without going through waivers after the first two promotions. A player can be claimed by another team after their third promotion.