News

The Ravens have moved defensive back Asa Jackson up to their 53-man roster and placed another rookie draft pick on injured reserve (IR).

Fourth-round rookie defensive tackle Willie Henry has been moved to IR, following third-round defensive end Bronson Kaufusi (ankle) and sixth-round cornerback Maurice Canady (hamstring).

The promotion of Jackson is interesting. After being let go last season and bouncing to a couple teams, Jackson was brought back to Baltimore’s practice squad this year on Oct. 18.

The 5-foot-10 cornerback helps bolster the secondary’s depth, especially with Shareece Wright still dealing with a thigh injury. His immediate impact may be on special teams, where he can serve on the coverage unit and as a returner.

The Ravens have relied on veteran Devin Hester so far this season, but he’s fumbled the ball four times. He looked more sure-handed last Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns, however.

Over three preseasons, Jackson showed flashes of explosiveness as a returner, scoring one touchdown and nearly notching another, but ball security issues played a part in his release last year.

Of the Ravens’ five fourth-round picks this year, Henry was the only one who hadn’t seen the field yet this season. He was active for one game against the New York Jets, but didn’t see any action.

The Ravens have gotten great returns out of the class from cornerback Tavon Young, who is now a starter, guard/tackle Alex Lewis, who was a starter before last week’s ankle injury, and running back Kenneth Dixon, who is the No. 2 back and is coming off a breakout game.

Undrafted defensive tackle Michael Pierce has outshined Henry, a young 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect out of Michigan. The Ravens’ interior defensive line has also been without second-year defensive tackle Carl Davis (ankle), who was placed on injured reserve before the season began.

The Ravens also signed guard Jarrod Pughsley and tight end Austin Traylor to the practice squad. They released quarterback David Fales.