The Ravens have added another player who could provide some help to special teams.
The team signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Shaun Draughn Tuesday. The third-year running back was in the team's locker room during the media session before practice.
"I'm happy to be part of this organization," Draughn said. "It's basically the same role I had last year with Kansas City."
Draughn was the kick returner and No. 3 running back for the Chiefs last season. He had 23 kick returns last season for an average of 23.3 yards, and also had 59 rushing attempts for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
With starting kick returner Jacoby Jones currently nursing a knee sprain and possibly out four to six weeks, Draughn could potentially fill a void in the return game. Last week the Ravens had No. 2 running back Bernard Pierce take over the kick return duties after Jones went down.
"He's been a good special teams player, he's been a good returner, and he's been a good running back," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "He played against us last year for Kansas City and he played very well. He's a good young player and we're excited to be fortunate to have him."
Draughn was released by the Chiefs two weeks ago as part of their final roster cutdown. He was working out on his own and also happened to be visiting his girlfriend in the Baltimore area.
"Them calling me and telling me that they wanted to sign me is all that they had to say," Draughn said. "I was working out, praying a lot."
Adding Draughn to the roster gives the Ravens three running backs again on the active roster. With Pierce and Ray Rice ahead of him, Draughn's opportunities will likely be limited on offense, but he's excited about the chance to join two talented running backs.
"It's just an honor to be in the room with Ray Rice," Draughn said. "The offense has some of the same things that we ran [in Kansas City], but a little more high powered I think."
The Ravens moved wide receiver Aaron Mellette to injured reserve to make room for Draughn on the roster.
