The Baltimore Ravens have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster by signing offensive tackle A.J. Arcuri and tight end Nick Vannett to their practice squad on Tuesday. This addition comes as the team prepares for the upcoming challenges of the NFL season, looking to enhance their depth in key positions.
Both Arcuri and Vannett were part of the Ravens' initial practice squad, but the team is also anticipating the arrival of veteran offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, who successfully completed a workout on Wednesday. To accommodate Edoga's signing, the Ravens will need to make a roster adjustment, either by releasing a player or placing one on injured reserve, with a decision expected to be made by Thursday.
Nick Vannett, now 33 years old, brings a wealth of experience, having played for nine teams throughout his career. His most recent tenure was with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent 18 months while Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle was an offensive assistant on Sean Payton’s staff. This connection likely played a role in Vannett's return to the Ravens, especially as the team seeks experienced tight ends. The current roster includes rookies Matt Hibner, Josh Cuevas, and Ty Pezza, all of whom showcased potential as pass-catchers during the preseason but struggled in run-blocking situations. Vannett's decade-long experience as a blocker could provide the Ravens with much-needed reliability.
In the previous season, Vannett appeared in only 10 games, split between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 131 snaps. His ability to contribute as a seasoned tight end could be crucial for the Ravens as they navigate the season.
A.J. Arcuri, 29, was drafted in the seventh round by the Rams in 2022, where he played eight games as a rookie and two in 2024. Primarily a left tackle, Arcuri has also taken snaps at left guard and right tackle during preseason games. His familiarity with Sean McVay’s offensive system aligns with the Ravens’ current focus on bolstering their offensive line, which has been a priority this offseason.
Chuma Edoga, who is 29 years old, has a solid track record with 25 starts in his seven-year career, including 12 starts over the past three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars. His versatility allows him to play at multiple positions along the line, primarily at tackle, making him a valuable asset for the Ravens.
With the addition of Arcuri and the potential signing of Edoga, the Ravens are likely to position Arcuri as the third-string left tackle behind Ronnie Stanley and Carson Vinson. Edoga's experience could see him take on a significant role, potentially stepping in as a backup right tackle, especially given the recent performance of rookie Gerad Lichtenhan, who has shown promise but also faced challenges, including penalties in the preseason.
As the Ravens continue to refine their roster ahead of the season, the addition of these players may indicate potential changes in the lineup, particularly for Lichtenhan, who could be at risk of being released to make room for Edoga. Additionally, linebacker Carl Jones, who missed the preseason due to injury, may also be a candidate for injured reserve, further impacting the team's roster decisions.
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