The Ravens' safety room is on the cusp of getting even better and deeper.
After suffering a torn Achilles in May, Ar'Darius Washington has returned to on-field workouts and isn't far off from coming back to practice.
"The reports have been really positive," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "Talking to 'A.D.', he's moving around really well. He feels good. This was the first week out – as far as getting on the grass and running around. He hasn't been cleared to practice yet, but it seems like we're getting close to that point."
Washington was in line to be a major part of the Ravens' defensive backfield this season, even after Baltimore drafted Malaki Starks in the first round. His injury hampered the Ravens' defense and limited its versatility for the first five games of the season.
The trade for Alohi Gilman gave the Ravens the third safety they needed and freed Kyle Hamilton to play a more versatile role closer to the line of scrimmage.
Still, Washington's return would add another strong player to Baltimore's secondary. When he stepped into the starting lineup last year, the Ravens' defense turned around. He started 10 games and made 64 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Travis Jones Has Gained Confidence to Dominate
Jones has played two of the best games of his career the past two weeks, in which he made a combined eight tackles and 1.5 sacks.
His 89.6 Pro Football Focus grade against the Miami Dolphins was the highest of his career, and his 82.9 grade last week versus the Minnesota Vikings was his third-highest.
Ravens coaches have had sky-high expectations for Jones the past couple of years. This offseason, Harbaugh said Jones is a “dominant guy” and “super-human player,” but added, "we'll see if it pans out in the games."
A knee injury hampered Jones earlier this season, just like an ankle injury slowed him last year. But Jones is feeling strong now and it's showing. His emergence has been part of the Ravens' defensive turnaround.
"I'm just getting the confidence to go out there and do it (dominate) every play," Jones said. "I'm out there having fun, not even thinking."
In his fourth year, Jones is positioning himself for a big payday this offseason. ESPN recently ranked him as the eighth best pending free agent and reported that several teams believe he'll be the best defensive tackle potentially available.
Carson Vinson Appreciates Show of Faith From Coaches
Ravens rookie offensive tackle Carson Vinson, the only player drafted from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) this season, is getting his shot.
Vinson was active for the first time last week in Minnesota, which put him one play away from playing offensive tackle for the Ravens.
"It was just an opportunity," Harbaugh said on Monday. "[Vinson] had probably gotten to the point where he was on the same par with Joe [Noteboom] in some ways."
Vinson credited the work Offensive Line Coach George Warhop has done with him, as well as learning from veteran Ronnie Stanley and second-year tackle Roger Rosengarten.
"He's hard on me, but that's what I need. He's made me a better player and a better person," Vinson said of Warhop. "It's just staying the course, working my technique every day."
Vinson's only plays in Minnesota were on the field goal blocking unit, but he enjoyed watching the tape of himself in game action doing his job.
"It meant a lot. You get to actually be in pads," he said. "It does mean a lot having the coaches trust in me. It makes me want to keep working harder."
