Running back Kenneth Dixon has been activated from injured reserve (IR). To make room, running back Alex Collins (foot) has been placed on IR, the Ravens announced Saturday.
Dixon has not played since suffering a knee injury Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, but Head Coach John Harbaugh said Friday that Dixon could be activated for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Rookie running back Gus Edwards, who has rushed for more than 100 yards the past two games, is questionable (ankle) for Sunday's game, although he was a full participant in Friday's practice. Even if Edwards plays, the Ravens may want to decrease his workload, and Dixon could join the running back rotation that also includes Javorius Allen and Ty Montgomery.
Staying on the field has been Dixon's main issue, but he has been an effective runner when available. Dixon led the team in rushing Week 1 with 44 yards on 13 carries, and he has averaged 4.2 yards per carry during his three-year career. However, Dixon was suspended the first four games of the 2017 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, then missed the entire season after suffering a knee injury in July.
"It would be very exciting. It's been a long time coming," Dixon said Friday. "Out all last year, got hurt Week 1, missed 10 games. Got back to practice and I'm feeling well. It's very exciting."
Collins did not dress for the first time this season against the Oakland Raiders in Week 13. His role diminished after the Ravens' bye in Week 10, with Edwards emerging as the team's lead back. Coming off a breakout season in 2017 (973 yards rushing and 4.6 yards per carry), Collins ran for 411 yards this season, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. Collins led the Ravens with eight touchdowns (seven rushing), but he has not reached 50 yards rushing in a game since Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans and his season high was 68 yards.
