Baltimore Ravens make roster changes following 1-4 start

By Joe Serpico | Oct 13, 2015

The Baltimore Ravens needed to make some changes after falling to 1-4 following the overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns. They have made a plethora of moves over the past few days that do not really come as a surprise. Some of the roster moves are due to injuries, while the Ravens have also decided to cut ties with some players who have been underperforming.

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There is a lot to question with the Ravens right now. Head Coach John Harbaugh has vowed not to make any coaching changes, even though Dean Pees has to go. His play calls on defense make you scratch your head. If the causal fan at home can see what the Ravens defense is up to, an NFL quarterback is definitely going to pick it apart. But for now, some personnel changes will have to do.

The team decided to part ways with Rashaan Melvin and Jason Babin today after the two have been major disappointments so far this season. The writing was on the wall for Babin, who was a healthy inactive twice and two penalties kept separate Browns scoring drives alive this weekend. Many thought Melvin would compete for the third cornerback spot, but he was a healthy inactive in favor of Tray Walker this week.

The Ravens also placed Will Davis on injured reserve after tearing his ACL and signed Shareece Wright. They also brought up Asa Jackson and Charles James II from practice squad.

Baltimore also added three players to its practice squad following the promotions of Jackson and James to the active roster. They brought back undrafted wide receiver Daniel Brown and tight end Konrad Reuland, both of whom where a part of the Ravens during training camp. They also added rookie running back Akeem Hunt with the injuries to Lorenzo Taliaferro and Justin Forsett.

It remains to be seen if the Ravens decide to add another pass rusher with the decision to get rid of Babin. The team is still unsure of the status of Elvis Dumervil, who left Sunday’s game against the Browns with a groin injury. Rookie fourth-round pick Za’Darius Smith has had four tackles in back-to-back games, including a two-sack performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The number of injuries are a concern and come at a time where the Ravens can’t afford to lose anyone else. Baltimore could go into Sunday’s game with their top running back and wide receiver and top two pass rushers. That’s arguably the four best players on this team that could be on the sidelines this week.

The Ravens are in desperation mode at this point of the season. The defense has been an absolute disaster since Week 1 and the next three opposing quarterbacks all present their own challenges. It’s already been a difficult season and Harbaugh is hopeful that a couple changes will get this team back to playing winning football.

Next: Ravens should fire Dean Pees

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