Ravens coach John Harbaugh will have more clarity on the team’s final 53-man roster after the final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Here are five rookies whose performance might make or break their spots on the final roster or practice squad:
1. Wide receiver Devontez Walker — The fourth-round pick from North Carolina has been hampered by a rib injury. He returned to practice this week and might need a strong performance against the Packers to make the final 53-man roster. Walker had strong moments at training camp but needs more consistency. He could be added to the practice squad on land on IR if the ribs are still bothering him.
2. Running back Rasheen Ali — The third-round pick missed the last preseason game against the Falcons with a stinger and he desperately needed those snaps. Ali is competing with Owen Wright and Chris Collier for the No. 3 running back spot. The good news for Ali is that neither Wright nor Collier has separated himself from the pack. Ali will have to show he can perform on special teams to make the final roster. The practice squad is also an option.
3. Quarterback Devin Leary — The sixth-round pick has not been able to get into a rhythm throwing the ball in preseason games. He has completed 9-of-15 passes for 60 yards with a rushing touchdown. He is being outplayed by undrafted rookie Emory Jones, who threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Dayton Wade against the Falcons.
4. Safety Sanoussi Kane — The seventh-round pick has made some solid plays in training camp but suffered a stinger in the preseason opener against the Eagles, which has hampered his status. Kane was back at practice this week but faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster with Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, Eddie Jackson, and Ar’Darius Washington ahead of him on the depth chart. Kane will likely land on the practice squad.
5. Center Nick Samac — The seventh-round pick missed practice time with an ankle injury. There is an opportunity for Samac to make the roster with starting center Tyler Linderbaum sidelined with a neck injury. Ben Cleveland has also taken snaps at center and is ahead of Samac in the rotation. He will need a solid showing against the Packers to display his potential and earn a spot on the practice squad.
