LB Copeland signed to practice squad
The Ravens announced Wednesday that they’ve signed veteran linebacker and former Gilman standout Brandon Copeland to the practice squad.
Copeland has spent time with six teams in his NFL career, totaling 158 tackles, seven sacks and 21 quarterback hits in 82 games. He was a member of the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, playing in 16 games (three starts) while recording 39 tackles and two quarterback hits.
The 31-year-old is a familiar face for the Ravens, as the Sykesville native signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent out
of the University of Pennsylvania in 2013 before being released during final roster cuts. He didn’t play his first NFL game until 2015 as a member of the Detroit Lions.
“He’s one that kinda, sorta got away,” Harbaugh said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve always had to watch him for other teams, and he plays so hard. Such a physical guy. And have a chance to bring him back now, hopefully work his way in there, it’s good to see.”
Harbaugh praised Copeland for his footwork during punt protection drills, which he noted is different for the Ravens than other NFL teams.
“This guy’s really smart. He doesn’t forget,” Harbaugh said.
Copeland, the grandson of former Baltimore Colts defensive end Roy Hilton, has also been recognized for his community work. He was named the 2020 Alan Page Community Award winner, the NFL Players Association’s highest honor, for his annual “December to Remember” event, which hosted shopping sprees in seven cities, including Baltimore.
Copeland has a chance to get immediate playing time as the Ravens are thin at outside linebacker. Veteran Steven Means is out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins, while Tyus Bowser and rookie David Ojabo are recovering from the same injury.