Today, the Baltimore Ravens announced that the team placed rookie wide receiver, Jaleel Scott, on the injured reserve. The Ravens spent a fourth-round pick on Scott, who the team hopes to one day develop into a solid-hands red zone threat. However, the organization does not believe that Scott is ready this year, and to avoid cutting the receiver, the team elected to place him on the IR. In response to the newly open roster spot, the Ravens added cornerback Robertson Daniel. Daniel spent time on the Ravens preseason roster and practice team last year. Daniel is a longshot to make the roster, but the Ravens want to see if Daniel can make an impact for the remainder of the preseason.
The Ravens hope to find a group of wide receivers that can aid Joe Flacco in his quest to re-ignite the offense in 2018. While it is obvious that Scott would not be much use this year, the Ravens did not want to part ways with a fourth-round pick so early in his career. In fact, the Baltimore Ravens have never cut a fourth-round rookie before. In past years, placing Scott on the injured reserve would mean that the young wide receiver would make his rounds on the waiver wire. However, this is not the case due to an NFL rule change. Now, players who played less than four years can be placed on the IR before roster cuts without being put on waivers. This measure prevents the loss of Scott and gives the Ravens an opportunity to find another receiver more fitting of the job this year.
Baltimore now has four receivers battling for the bottom two spots on the roster. These players are rookie fifth-round pick Jordan Lasley, former first-round pick Breshad Perriman, second-year player Tim White, and undrafted rookie free agent Janarion Grant. Only two of these four will be able to stay. While it may appear like all four are battling each other, the reality is that there are two battles taking place, pitting one player against the other. The first is between Janarion Grant and Tim White, both are the best two options at kick returner for the Ravens. Only one can make the roster, and Baltimore wants to ensure the team is strong in special teams again. The other is between Breshad Perriman and Jordan Lasley. Both are fighting for the fifth string receiver slot, but only one can make it. In the return specialist battle, Grant has the upper hand, as he is more explosive and makes fewer mistakes. In the other battle, Lasley has the advantage, as he is younger and would be a developmental candidate moving forward.
