Source: WR Bryant being eyed for practice squad
Dez Bryant could be getting a do-over. The former All-Pro wide receiver is planning to work out for the Ravens, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed, and if he impresses and passes a physical, he’s expected to join the team’s practice squad, as the NFL Network first reported.
Bryant, 31, who hasn’t played since 2017, worked out for the Ravens in August, but the team decided not to sign him, partly out of conditioning concerns, a source said. Adding Bryant to the practice squad would give him time to learn the Ravens’ playbook and get in game shape.
The Ravens showed interest in Bryant in 2018, but he turned down a multiyear offer, preferring a more lucrative one-year deal. He ultimately waited until November to sign, joining the New Orleans Saints on a one-year deal worth up to a reported $1.75 million.
Shortly after signing, however, Bryant suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury during practice.
Bryant missed all of last season while rehabilitating, and the coronavirus pandemic forced him to wait out the NFL’s lockdown.
“It hasn’t been easy for him because a lot of teams would hit him up, show interest, and when all this COVID stuff hit, he was ready to go here in the spring and had quite a few talks with some teams,” David Robinson, his personal wide receivers coach, said in August before Bryant’s initial workout. “They had to hold everybody off from coming in.”
Bryant, who set a Cowboys record for career touchdown receptions (73) and posted three straight 1,200-yard seasons from 2012 to 2014, could help a Ravens passing offense that’s second-to-last in the NFL in yards per game (177.8). Robinson said Bryant could “easily” be a No. 3 receiver in Greg Roman’s offense.
Williams returns from COVID-19 list
Ravens defensive tackle Brandon
Williams was activated off the reserve/ COVID-19 list Thursday, returning to the team’s active roster after missing Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
In a corresponding move, cornerback Anthony Averett was placed on injured reserve. Averett suffered what coach John Harbaugh described as a shoulder or collarbone injury Sunday and will miss to five six weeks.
Williams was placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list Saturday after missing two straight practices. Harbaugh confirmed Monday that Williams had not tested positive for the virus but that he’d been exposed to an infected person, which required self-isolating for no fewer than five days before returning to the team’s facilities, regardless of PCR test results.
Without Williams and starting defensive end Derek Wolfe available, the Ravens allowed 18 carries for a season-high 194 yards in a 30-28 win Sunday in Philadelphia.