Ravens practice squad projection before 53-man roster cuts

The Ravens will have useful players left over when they reduce their roster to 53.

That makes the practice squad an important part of the next round of decisions. Baltimore needs players who can prepare the starters during the week, provide replacements when injuries occur, and continue to develop without a permanent spot on the active roster.

This projection follows the accompanying 53-man forecast. It includes 16 standard spots and C.J. Okoye as the projected additional international player. NFL rules allow the extra place when a qualifying player is designated, and Baltimore received an offseason exemption for Okoye via the NFL roster rules.

Players subject to waivers must clear before returning. Others can choose to sign elsewhere. These are projected signings, not assignments Baltimore can make unilaterally.

PlayerPositionReason to retainAustin ReedQBAnother passer for practice work and injury coverage.Rasheen AliRBBackfield depth with kickoff return experience.Dayton WadeWRA receiver already familiar with the offense and return assignments.Chris MooreWRVeteran depth for an otherwise young group of reserve receivers.Gerad LichtenhanOTA right tackle option if the active roster carries only nine linemen.Diego PoundsOTContinued development without requiring an immediate game-day role.Corey BullockG/CInterior flexibility, including another option at center.Evan BeerntsenGTime to develop behind the active guards.Rayshaun BennyDLInterior depth after a difficult numbers decision.David OlajigaDLAnother defensive line option for practice and future openings.Adisa IsaacOLBContinued evaluation if he clears waivers after missing the initial 53.Kaimon RuckerOLBEdge depth behind a crowded active group.Dominic DeLucaILBDevelopment at linebacker and on special teams.Bilhal KoneCBA chance to continue his evaluation, subject to health and waiver clearance.Robert LongerbeamCBAdditional coverage depth outside the projected top six corners.K'Von WallaceSAn experienced replacement option behind the active safeties.Projected international spot: C.J. Okoye

This forecast uses the additional international place for Okoye, provided Baltimore applies the designation when assembling the practice squad. It does not count both Okoye and Olajiga as exempt players.

The decisions that could change this group

Benny, Pounds and Isaac are among the players Baltimore could lose if another team offers an active-roster opportunity. A strong finale could also move one of them onto the Ravens' 53, sending a different player into this projection. Kone's health requires attention. A practice squad return is a possible outcome only if his medical and transaction status allow it; an injury designation would change the plan.

Nick Dawkins, Ty Pezza, Lucas Scott, Michael Barrett and Silas Walters are other candidates. The Ravens could also sign players released elsewhere, particularly if those players address a need the current group does not.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens practice squad projection before 53-man roster cuts