The Baltimore Ravens surprised a few people when they decided to keep seven wide receivers on their final 53-man roster. The talent of the players that they kept is unquestioned, it was still unexpected in some circles due to the fact that the team needed depth elsewhere.
Miles Boykin was the primary surprise, as he had been sidelined for most of training camp with a hamstring injury. It wouldn’t have been shocking if he had been placed on injured reserve outright or just released. However, Baltimore values him as a player and trusts his talent, so he remained with the team.
On Wednesday, the Ravens announced three roster moves, all involving players on the offensive side of the ball.
We have made three roster moves. https://t.co/aSsdheUCMJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 1, 2021
Ravens placed WRs Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin on short-term IR, meaning they'll miss the first 3 games of the season.
Baltimore's five current WRs are: Marquise Brown, Sammy Watkins, James Proche II, Devin Duvernay and Tylan Wallace.
Ravens signed TE Eric Tomlinson.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 1, 2021
It’s unclear how much time both Boykin and Bateman will miss. Bateman is expected back sometime in September by the team, while not much has been said about Boykin’s injury.
Tomlinson was expected back with the team after he was cut on Tuesday. Head coach John Harbaugh said fellow tight end Nick Boyle isn’t ready to play yet, but he did return to practice on Wednesday, which is a good sign. Tomlinson could be on the roster only until Boyle is ready to play, or the team might just decide to carry four tight ends altogether.