Veterans’ jobs on the line
Roster to be trimmed from 90 to 75 in first round of mandatory cuts
The Ravens will have to make the first of two mandatory rounds of cuts, trimming their roster from 90 to 75, before 4 p.m. Tuesday. Teams often let go of select veterans who don’t look like they’ll make the regular-season roster, giving them a chance to latch on elsewhere.
That’s happened in recent days with the Detroit Lions releasing running back Stevan Ridley, the New England Patriots moving on from running back Donald Brown and wide receiver Nate Washington, and the Kansas City Chiefs letting go of wide receiver Mike Williams and safety Stevie Brown.
As the Ravens head into their third preseason game tonight against the Lions, here’s a look at five veterans or returning Ravens who are in most jeopardy of not making the team. Kyle Arrington, cornerback: Arrington is a total pro and he’s had a strong career for a former undrafted free agent, but it appears his days with the Ravens are numbered. The veteran hasn’t returned from a significant concussion suffered in the preseason opener, and even before the injury, it looked as if the additions of veteran Jerraud Powers and rookies Tavon Young and Maurice Canady would cost him a spot. Arthur Brown, inside linebacker: The 2013 second-round pick has had a solid camp and made improvements, but his shot at the starting weak-side linebacker role never really materialized. He’s played behind Zachary Orr and rookie Kamalei Correa. The Ravens are relatively thin at the position, which, along with his specialteams ability, could save Brown. However, the former Kansas State standout is a long way from a roster lock. James Hurst, offensive tackle: Hurst started 15 games, including two playoff contests in 2014, over the past two seasons. That’s not bad for an undrafted free agent. However, he struggled last year and hasn’t distinguished himself much this summer. Hurst is behind rookie fourth-round pick Alex Lewis and De’Ondre Wesley for a reserve role. Kapron Lewis-Moore, defensive end: Lewis-Moore has done all the right things Cornerback Kyle Arrington hasn’t returned from a significant concussion suffered in the preseason opener. The former undrafted free agent could be let go during cuts. this summer, and the Ravens would love to keep the hardworking and resilient lineman. There just might not be a spot unless the Ravens decide to keep Lewis-Moore over fourth-round pick Willie Henry. If the Ravens keep six defensive linemen, which is the expectation given the roster crunch elsewhere, Lewis Moore could be the victim of a numbers game. Chris Matthews, wide receiver: Good luck finding anybody who doubts that the 6-foot-5 Matthews is an NFL-caliber receiver. He had a solid start to training camp, too, but a soft-tissue injury kept him sidelined for two weeks and now he might be out of time. With Steve Smith Sr., Kamar Aiken, Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman, Michael Campanaro (River Hill), Chris Moore and Jeremy Butler all healthy, Matthews will probably be on the outside looking in.