BALTIMORE — The Ravens elevated outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue from the practice squad to make his 2024 debut against the Bengals.
The former University of Maryland star had a solid week of practice, prompting the promotion. The Ravens will look to keep Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow under pressure with the extra pass rusher.
The Ravens re-signed Ngakoue as a free agent on September 24th.
“I feel like I could contribute now, [but] it’s not my decision; it’s the guys’ upstairs – it’s a decision to see if I can play or not,” Ngakoue. said. “But I feel like I’m in great shape – the benefits of being able to train in Florida. … This is where I started from. I’m a Maryland guy through and through – born and raised here. I love the locker room, [and] I love the guys here.
“We have a great quarterback, and I just want to be able to help get the ball back to the offense.”
The Ravens originally acquired Ngakoue in October 2020 from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2021 third-round pick and a 2022 conditional fifth-round pick. In nine games with the Ravens, Ngakoue had 11 tackles, including two for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
However, former defensive coordinator Don Martindale expected his linebackers to be fully dimensional and Ngakoue’s strength is pressuring the quarterback, not necessarily stopping the run or dropping back in pass coverage.
Baltimore declined to re-sign him after the season.
Ngakoue could perform better under new Ravens defensive coordinator Zachary Orr.
In addition to the Ravens and Vikings, Ngakoue has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and the Las Vegas Raiders. He has been a productive player, amassing 69 sacks.
Last season with the Bears, Ngakoue started 13 games and finished with 22 tackles and four sacks.
The Ravens also elevated running back Chris Collier from the practice squad. That’s his third and final free elevation.
Stakes: The Ravens are shooting for their third straight win after starting the season 0-2. Baltimore is also looking to extend its winning streak over the Bengals to three games.
A win by the Ravens would be devastating to Cincinnati, which would fall to 1-4. The Ravens have rushed for at least 270 yards in consecutive games and could have another successful day against the Bengals, who rank 25th against the run.
