The Baltimore Ravens have an eye on the postseason and are making some moves to shore some things up. One such move was to sign former Detroit Lions safety Jayron Kearse to the practice squad, the team announced Thursday.
Baltimore has been dangerously thin on defensive back talent this season as injuries have ravaged the secondary. By signing Kearse, the Ravens are adding a little insurance in case of more players getting injured and getting him acclimated to the team and the playbook before thrusting him into action.
While Kearse is on the practice squad, the placement could just be temporary. As we’ve seen at times this season, Baltimore has used the practice squad as a staging area for incoming players they intend on playing. And while Kearse being available this late in the season points to him not being starter quality, that’s not necessarily true.
Kearse started seven games for the Lions this season. He was targeted 31 times, allowing 19 completions for 149 yards and one touchdown, allowing an 83.9 passer rating. Though he didn’t notch any interceptions, Kearse did force a fumble and has been used with some frequency on blitzes — something he could see even more of in Baltimore.
For how late in the season this move is, it’s a pretty good one that adds a little emergency depth at a position the Ravens need it. And filling that depth role with someone who has started before and performed at a decent level. It’s a small but potentially critical move if the Ravens are able to go deep into the playoffs this season.
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