Interpreting Ravens’ Roster Moves, Including Ones Not Made
It’s not unusual for the Ravens to announce a few minor roster moves Tuesday mornings, which was the case yesterday when they promoted cornerback 
But this time, the “minor” moves could have bigger implications, especially the ones that weren’t made. Let’s start with the moves that weren’t made because they may turn out to be the biggest deal.
1) It’s A Good Sign Ravens Didn’t Move Yanda Or Lewis To Injured Reserve
Even though Head Coach John Harbaugh didn’t give any indication that the Ravens’ starting guards, Pro Bowler
There are only seven games left in the regular season, and Lewis is expected to miss six weeks. Yanda has missed three of the last four games, which causes one to believe his shoulder injury is serious given his legendary toughness.
But, it looks like the Ravens will save a roster spot for Lewis and give him a chance to return later this season, and Yanda may simply be in a pain-tolerance situation. If he says he can go, the Ravens will plug him in.
The only offensive line move the Ravens made was adding guard
Biggest news out of today's roster moves is that they didn't include either Alex Lewis or Marshal Yanda going to IR. That's good sign.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) November 15, 2016
“Obviously, Yanda badly wants to play and the Ravens need him out there. Yanda’s loss cannot be overstated,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec. “He’s right at or near the top of the players the Ravens could least afford to lose for an extended period.
“By the way, if you watched how Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals dominated the interior of the New York Giants’ patchwork offensive line for stretches Monday night, you probably don’t need to be reminded about how much the Ravens need Yanda. They have to face the Bengals twice and the Yanda-Atkins matchup has always been worth the price of admission.”
2) Jackson Could Signal A Change At Returner
We have to be careful not to read too much into this roster move.
After all, Jackson may simply add depth at the cornerback position with
That said, you can’t rule out the idea that Jackson could also take over returner duties. Veteran Devin Hester has been hampered by thigh injuries and struggled with fumbles, although he improved Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns.
Jackson could make first contribution as a returner. Devin Hester has been hampered by groin injury. #RavensTalk
— Clifton BrownCSN (@CliftonBrownCSN) November 15, 2016
3) Rotating Tight End Signings Indicate Gillmore Isn’t Ready Yet
Zrebiec has picked up on a trend with tight ends.
For the last couple of weeks, the Ravens have signed a tight end to the practice squad at the beginning of the week, and then cut that same tight end right before the game.
In Zrebiec’s eyes, that’s an indication that
Signing tight end
As for placing fourth-round pick Henry on injured reserve …
No idea what injury Willie Henry has. Was not listed on injury report, but 4th rounder saw 0 game action all season. #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) November 15, 2016
Romo Makes Classy Speech & Squashed QB Controversy Ahead Of Ravens Game
Well, if there was ever any doubt about which quarterback the Ravens will face this Sunday when they travel to Dallas, Tony Romo has squashed it.
The Cowboys’ starting quarterback of the last 12 years is finally healthy enough to play after breaking his back in the preseason, but while he’s been rehabbing, rookie Dak Prescott has led the team to an NFL-best 8-1 start.
Instead of allowing his return to be a distraction, Romo read his own prepared statement that said Prescott has earned the starting job. Romo has decided to put his team first and made it clear that he has the rookie’s back.
It was an absolutely classy gesture that you don’t see every day in the NFL, and it’s worth reading his speech. (You can watch the full presser here.)
“To say the first half of the season has been emotional would be a huge understatement,” Romo said. “Getting hurt when you feel like you have the best team you’ve ever had was a soul-crushing moment for me. Then to learn it’s not three or four weeks, but 10, is another blow.
“The press is whispering, everyone has doubts, you spent your career working to get here. Now we have to start all over. You almost feel like an outsider. The coaches are sympathetic, but they still have to coach. You’re not there. It’s a dark place. Probably the darkest it’s ever been.
“It’s in this moment that you find out who you really are, and what you’re really about. You see, football is a meritocracy. You aren’t handed anything.
“A great example of this is Dak Prescott, and what he’s done. He’s earned the right to be our quarterback. As hard as that is for me to say, he’s earned that right. He’s guided our team to an 8-1 record, and that’s hard to do.
“I think you all know something magical is happening to our team. I’m not going to allow this situation to negatively affect Dak, or this football team, by becoming a constant distraction. I think Dak knows that I have his back. And I think I know that he has mine. Ultimately, it’s about the team.”
Ultimate respect, @tonyromo. pic.twitter.com/E0O3y96aq8
— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2016
Ravens Planning M&T Bank Stadium Upgrades
The Ravens are planning on investing $110 million dollars into M&T Bank Stadium, according to The Baltimore Sun. The team has made no formal statement.
It feels like the stadium was built yesterday, becoming the latest and greatest among the 32 NFL teams, but 18 years have gone by. The team will reportedly implement new large video boards, a "ribbon board" encircling the upper level, new corner suites, and escalators and elevators so fans have an easier time reaching the upper level.
Some of these enhancements are still tentative and some could be worked on over the next three years. Per the report, the Ravens would pay for all $110 million of the improvements, but the Maryland Stadium Authority would use its “best efforts” to contribute $24 million for various projects.
Interestingly, the $110 million price tag for improvements is reportedly about half of what the entire stadium originally cost to build in 1998.
"The Ravens are offering to expend a significant amount of capital into the stadium, so that's a positive thing," Executive Director of the Stadium Authority Michael Frenz told The Sun. "I think it's pretty clear that what they're trying to do is improve the fan experience."
Ravens Players Want Your Pro Bowl Votes
Can you tell that Ravens players really want your Pro Bowl votes?
Voting opened league-wide Tuesday, and one way the NFL will tally votes is via social media. If fans use the hashtags #ProBowlVote #[PlayerName], that will count toward the voting totals. Or, you can vote at BaltimoreRavens.com/ProBowl.
ProBowl voting has started via social media.
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Use #probowlvote #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/h03SaCDSUZSteve Smith Sr. (@89SteveSmith) November 15, 2016
Fullbacks aren't dead yet!! All your support is greatly appreciated! Retweet or post on your own with #ProBowlVote AND #KyleJuszczyk pic.twitter.com/cFNvpdrr9a
—Kyle Juszczyk (@JuiceCheck44) November 15, 2016
Repost/Retweet with #ProBowlVote #JustinTucker to cast your vote for this year's Pro Bowl!… https://t.co/tzmk9LNwuC pic.twitter.com/napmNgP4H3
—Justin Tucker (@jtuck9) November 15, 2016
Pro Bowl voting has started now via social media.
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Use Hashtags: #ProBowlVote #BrandonWilliams
***Comments do not count as votes!!!*** pic.twitter.com/v5gqQCRZB6Brandon Williams (@BrandonW_66) November 15, 2016
Here we go use #ProBowlVote AND #AnthonyLevine you can post on your own using the same two hashtags or retweet my post!!! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/wlQ9qWellf
— Anthony Levine (@ALevine41) November 15, 2016
Quick Hits
Best offensive line in the game. https://t.co/krlCK3JQbp
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) November 15, 2016
From Steelers beat writer @EdBouchette: 24 Steelers teams have had 4-game losing streaks. None made playoffs.
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) November 15, 2016
former Lions and Ravens and Patriots safety James Ihedigbo has officially signed his contract with the Buffalo Bills. Tried out last week
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 15, 2016
Marshal Yanda is #Ravens nominee for 3rd annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) November 15, 2016
One of Steelers best defensive players announces his season is over. https://t.co/Ip8QcUlgkH
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) November 15, 2016
I would like to thank everyone who has been in my corner this season. It pains me to say that I… https://t.co/c4FzsBDf6r
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) November 15, 2016
Former Raven CB Will Davis gets workout with Colts. https://t.co/xUtoSHKYlh
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) November 15, 2016
With intriguing games on the slate (and the election over), the NFL's TV ratings rebounded last weekend. https://t.co/V4s5cvrnue
— Edward Lee (@EdwardLeeSun) November 15, 2016
