The Baltimore Ravens are shaking up their underperforming defense ahead of Sundayâs game against the Los Angeles Rams, waiving rookie safety Reuben Lowery among a series of moves.
An undrafted free agent from Chattanooga, Lowery had five tackles (one solo) in three games, including his first career start in Week 5. He was one of several players who struggled in the 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans.
It is possible Lowery winds up staying in Baltimore if he clears waivers and ends up on the practice squad.
Ravens Made Two Big Additions at Safety
Lowery was a camp surprise, overcoming long odds to make the Ravensâ 53-man roster following a strong preseason. The 23-year-old made his first career start last Sunday with All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton (groin) sidelined and played every defensive snap in the blowout loss.
Assuming Lowery clears waivers, the Ravens (1-4) could look to keep him on their practice squad. The move gives them more flexibility in the secondary following the trade for veteran safety Alohi Gilman. The Ravens also signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the practice squad.
The Ravensâ defense is off to a terrible start, ranking 31st in yards allowed per game (408.8). They are also tied for second to last in sacks (six) and takeaways (two) and are on pace to break the NFL record for points allowed in a season (534), set by the 2024 Carolina Panthers.
Ravens Sign 370-Pound Defensive Tackle
In addition to cutting Lowery, the Ravens signed defensive tackle C.J. Okoye to their active roster and elevated quarterback Tyler Huntley and safety Keondre Jackson.
The 6-foot-6, 370-pound Okoye has recorded seven tackles and one quarterback hit the last two weeks. He started this season on the teamâs practice squad after failing to make the team out of training camp.
Huntley will serve as Cooper Rushâs backup with quarterback Lamar Jackson slated to miss a second straight game because of a hamstring injury. Huntley rejoined Baltimore via the practice squad in August, days after being released by the Cleveland Browns. In five starts last season for the Miami Dolphins, Huntley threw for 829 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Sunday will mark Jacksonâs first regular-season NFL action. The undrafted rookie from Illinois State is expected to fill in on special teams.
Injury Outlook Improving for Baltimore
The Ravens are getting healthier, but injuries remain an issue. In addition to Jackson, they ruled out five players for Sundayâs game: cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring), linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), fullback Patrick Ricard (calf), wide receiver Devontez Walker (oblique) and offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder).
Hamilton and All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey are both expected to return.
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