Sports Ravens

Now that they're down to 53 players, what's next for Ravens?

Matt Hazlett / Getty Images

The 10-person squad probably will include several players the Ravens released over the past two days. Assuming they clear waivers and there are no roster spots available for them elsewhere, many of the players will choose to re-sign with the Ravens rather than join another team’s practice squad. Players know the coaches, teammates and playbook, so they often choose familiarity over the unknown.

Players who made a good impression on the Ravens over the summer, such as quarterback Bryn Renner (pictured), running back Terrence Magee, wide receivers Jeremy Butler and Daniel Brown, linebacker Brennen Beyer, cornerback Quinton Pointer and safety Nick Perry all might be back under contract with the team by early Sunday afternoon. Fifth-round NFL draft pick Robert Myers and fullback Kiero Small (Cardinal Gibbons) are candidates to be back as well.

SEE MORE GALLERIES

Charles Krupa / Associated Press

Urban counted toward the initial 53-man roster because teams can’t officially put players on IR with designation to return until Sunday afternoon. Urban won’t be eligible to return to practice for six weeks and can't return to game action for eight weeks. In the meantime, the Ravens have plenty of options who could fill his roster spot.

The most logical move would be to sign a running back to play behind Justin Forsett and Buck Allen until Lorenzo Taliaferro (knee) gets healthy. That could be a veteran ball carrier such as former New England Patriot Jonas Gray (pictured) or a recently released young back, or it could just mean re-signing Magee or Fitzgerald Toussaint. But just as the Ravens preach the importance of drafting the best player available, they approach the waiver process the same way. Regardless of position, they’ll be aggressive in making moves if they strengthen the roster.

SEE MORE GALLERIES

The Ravens got their roster down to 53 players Saturday, but their maneuvering is nowhere near done before next Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos. In fact, Sunday could be as busy as Saturday, with teams making waiver claims and assembling their 10-man practice squads.

There also likely will be at least one move on the Ravens’ 53-man roster, as they are expected to put second-year defensive end Brent Urban, who had surgery to repair a torn biceps last month, on injured reserve with a designation to return. That will open one roster spot.

Here are several questions the Ravens could address Sunday.

Jeff Zrebiec

Denver Broncos