One of the biggest names on the roster bubble during training camp was former second-round pick Sergio Kindle.
The outside linebacker made it through to the 53-man active roster, and Head Coach John Harbaugh explained during a press conference on Tuesday that Kindle's prowess as a pass rusher made him an attractive talent to retain.
"I think Sergio's potential as a pass rusher is something that's really important," Harbaugh said. "That's something that we've seen him do in practice, in the preseason."
With the injury to Terrell Suggs and most recently to rookie Courtney Upshaw, the Ravens are thin on depth at outside linebacker. Kindle will be in the mix at that position along with Paul Kruger, Albert McClellan and Upshaw.
The Ravens are hoping that this is the year he's able to make an impact, after a frustrating two-year start his NFL career.
Kindle missed his entire rookie season after fracturing his skull when he fell down a flight of stairs on the eve of his first training camp. He returned to the field last year but was active for only two games.
"He's still probably on his way back from a really bad brain injury," Harbaugh said. "I think it's remarkable how far he's come, and we're not ready to give up on him. And I don't know, we never would 'give up on him' – that's probably a bad choice of words – but we're still looking at him as a pass rusher and a physical edge-setter as an outside linebacker."
Practice Squad Addition Could Also Impact Pass Rush
The Ravens added outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton to their practice squad over the weekend after he was cut by the Dallas Cowboys. The undrafted rookie had a solid training camp and comes into the NFL after registering 20 1/2 sacks last season at Prairie View A&M.
Much like Kindle, the Ravens liked what Hamilton brings as a pass rusher.
"[Hamilton] has edge-setting ability and also flashes of pass rusher; not only in college, but also in the preseason," Harbaugh said.
Hamilton is only on the practice squad right now, and Harbaugh said that one area they would like to see him improve is on special teams.
"He's going to have to pick it up on special teams," Harbaugh said. "I think that's something that was new to him [and he] didn't do a great job with that in the preseason and he knows that. And that's something, we'll be working with him in all those areas."
If Hamilton shows in practice that he can make an impact as a pass rusher and on special teams, then Harbaugh could see him earning a role this season. Harbaugh was not asked if Hamilton could make the 53-man roster.
"He's a guy we think has potential to be a real contributor for us," Harbaugh said.
