Trying To Make Sense Of Justin Forsett Situation
The Ravens sent Baltimore city into shock Saturday when they announced the release of veteran running back and locker room leader Justin Forsett.
The questions came pouring in (WNST’s Luke Jones literally asked 20).
How could they do this just a few weeks after Head Coach John Harbaugh praised Forsett for playing as well as he did during his 2014 Pro Bowl season?
How could they do this after giving Forsett starter treatment all summer, including giving him veteran days off and holding him out of the first and last preseason games?
How could they head into the season-opener with just two healthy backs (
Why didn’t anyone in the organization wish him well upon his release? There was no statement from team officials when they’ve prepared such statements for past impactful veterans they’ve cut. Then there was absolutely no love from his teammates on social media, yet they said goodbye to Terrence Brooks and welcomed Devin Hester.
Forsett is way too popular of a player, person in the Ravens locker room for radio silence...
— Brent Harris (@BrentCSN) September 4, 2016
Why weren’t there any reports about other teams trying to sign a player who put up 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014?
And what was up with Forsett’s cryptic tweet immediately after the announcement of his release? Forsett is the type of guy to say thank you to the organization, city and fans upon his departure.
The plot thickens.. 樂 #GodIsInControl
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) September 3, 2016
So here’s the deal.
It looks like Forsett is on his way back, according to multiple reports, including The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He’s expected to re-sign anywhere between now and Tuesday morning’s practice when the players return from the Labor Day break.
“Forsett's release appears to be a calculated gamble by the Ravens,” wrote Zrebiec. “The most important news is that the veteran running back should be an important part of their offense Sunday against the Bills.”
The reason for all the charades, at least in part, apparently has to do with
In order for injured players to be eligible for return, the Ravens had to wait until at least 4 p.m. Sunday to place them on injured reserve, per Zrebiec. The Ravens don’t know for certain that either Elam or Davis will be the one player they choose to activate, but they wanted that option for both. So, they had to wait to place them on IR. Once the two are officially moved, their spots on the 53-man roster are expected to be filled by Forsett and newly-signed Devin Hester.
It’s all starting to make sense, but why was Forsett the person chosen to be cut? It’s a gamble with such a prominent player on offense.
@Aliquickk @adamlevitan can't figure that part out.Forsett had to be agreeable. But might they alter his contract a little? Not sure
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) September 5, 2016
Rapoport explains in the video below that the Ravens and Forsett, indeed, are “still working some things out contractually.” Forsett was entering the second year of a three-year, $9 million deal, which is a “substantial amount” for a 30 year old, even if he is a starter.
“The Ravens could bring him back at a little bit of a different number,” Rapoport said. He added that any veteran contract signed after Week 1 is no longer guaranteed.
Considering the situation the Ravens found themselves in a little more than a week out from the season opener, they are fortunate somebody of Devin Hester’s caliber was available.
The two sides agreed to terms on a one-year deal Sunday night, reportedly worth up to $4 million.
EPSN’s Jamison Hensley called it a “perfect fit.”
“Hester is perhaps the best returner in NFL history and a candidate for the Hall of Fame,” he wrote. “The Ravens pride themselves on special teams, especially with Harbaugh's background, and traditionally boast the top return units in the league.”
It’s fair to question how much gas Hester has left in the tank at 33 years old and coming off offseason toe surgery. Nobody can expect him to continue his historic pace from his days with the Chicago Bears. But, as Hensley pointed out, in Hester’s last healthy season (2014), he led the NFL in punt returns with a 13.3-yard average among returners with at least 15 attempts.
“Baltimore tried to find someone in-house this summer with [Michael] Campanaro and
Not an absolute certainty that signing Hester at 33 solves Ravens returner issues. But worth a try IMO.
— John Eisenberg (@BmoreEisenberg) September 4, 2016
Regarding signing of Hester, yes, he is on back end of career but speaks volumes about lack of faith in returners they have. #Ravens
— Brian Bower (@sportguyRSR) September 4, 2016
Jeremy Butler Joins Tampa Bay Practice Squad, Victor Ochi Joins Jets Practice Squad
It didn’t match the outrage of Forsett’s release, but Ravens fans also took to social media to voice displeasure over the release of wide receiver Jeremy Butler and undrafted rookie Victor Ochi.
I admit that I thought Butler did enough to make the 53-man roster after leading Ravens receivers in the preseason with 16 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he wasn’t realistically going to get snaps as the fifth or sixth receiver behind
As for Ochi, while he showed promise, I always thought there were too many pass rushers in front of him to make the team.
A couple of notes on releasing these two …
First, it’s clear the Ravens didn’t undervalue them. If they had, Butler and Ochi would have been claimed off waivers and added to somebody’s 53-man roster. Instead, they both signed practice squad deals elsewhere. Given how low on the depth chart they were, you can certainly understand why they chose to start fresh with new opportunities in other cities. Why not show another team what you’re capable of?
So much outrage about the #Ravens letting go of Butler and Ochi, yet no one picked them up. Maybe they do know what they're doing a little.
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) September 4, 2016
The second thing to remember is that if the Ravens get into injury trouble at either position, they can sign any player on any practice squad to their full roster.
Remember guys, even though Butler signed with Tampa Bay, #Ravens can pull him to the main roster if an injury were to take place
— Samuel Njoku (@SamNjokuCBS) September 4, 2016
Why Did Baltimore Choose
Saturday marked the first time in nine years the Ravens cut a third-round pick after two seasons, per Hensley. The last time that happened was with returner Yamon Figurs in 2007.
When Elam injured his knee, the prevailing thought was that Brooks was a lock to make the roster at a thin position. Instead, the Ravens chose to cut Brooks and keep Kendrick Lewis, who has been injured for much of the preseason.
Zrebiec says the reason behind cutting Brooks had more to do with the mental part of his game.
“[T]he Ravens certainly think Lewis is a lot better than their fans do,” he wrote. “It basically came down to the fact that team officials believe Lewis is a smarter player, more instinctive and more reliable. There’s no question Brooks is faster, more athletic and hits harder. Brooks is a physical specimen.
“However, the team didn’t feel like the game slowed down enough for Brooks — both on defense and special teams — to trust him in a significant role. … Ultimately, the Ravens chose the known with Lewis over the unknown with Brooks.”
Brooks was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles where he will resume his career.
From one bird to another lets get it!!
— Terrence Brooks (@_Showtime31) September 4, 2016
Meanwhile, offensive tackle James Hurst was a surprise to make the team for many after he was pushed back into
But Zrebiec says he was kept for three reasons: 1) Team officials think Hurst is better than fans do, 2) tackle De’Ondre Wesley was put on IR and 3) the Ravens are thin at the position.
“The team is giving serious consideration to starting rookie
“Sure, if
Even though he was activated from the physically unable to perform list, starting outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil’s injury status is up in the air. He was activated from the PUP on Aug. 22 and practiced for a week, but now hasn’t practiced since Aug. 29, per Hensley.
"It's all in the doctors' hands and Elvis' hands," Harbaugh said after Saturday’s practice, adding that when Dumervil is cleared to fully practice, he’ll be out there.
It leaves a major question mark over Dumervil.
“The biggest injury concern for the Baltimore Ravens heading into Week 1 is the availability of linebacker Elvis Dumervil,” wrote Hensley.
Quick Hits
QB David Fales is expected to sign with the Ravens practice squad, where he'll reunite with former Bears HC Marc Trestman, their OC.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) September 4, 2016
The #Bengals have signed former #Ravens CB Chykie Brown #RavensTalk
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) September 4, 2016
Jaguars claimed LB Arthur Brown (Ravens), DB Marqueston Huff (Titans).
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 4, 2016
Best part of this week was getting to pray & serve the Baton Rouge community. They still need us! #BiggerThanTheGame pic.twitter.com/CY9QMrn4tK
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) September 4, 2016
Welcome to the #RavensFlock @D_Hest23
— Elvis Dumervil (@EKD92) September 4, 2016
Blessed beyond what words can express. Thankful for another year and never take it for granted... lets work!!!!
— KamarAiken11 (@KamarAiken88) September 4, 2016
Excited to work with @HouseOfRuthMd to help benefit #DV. Visit https://t.co/aRCepq9SSM or @Vibrancy_21 more info. pic.twitter.com/NKp9eI9wrA
— SteveSmithFDN (@SteveSmithFDN) September 4, 2016
Projected starting left guard John Urschel happy to knock off some rust in return to Ravens https://t.co/7nPPAi1XBS pic.twitter.com/xgO4UbPS19
— Baltimore Sun Sports (@BaltSunSports) September 4, 2016
I’m not surprised Shelton Price made roster. He showed great cover skills in pre-season. Can’t have enough corners in NFL.
— Gerry Sandusky (@GerrySandusky) September 3, 2016
I assume Keenan Reynolds will be giving the #Ravens plenty of "Tyrod Taylor" looks in practice this coming week.
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) September 4, 2016
