The Ravens are players in the free-agent market, looking for assistance after outside linebacker Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles Sunday in Denver, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
"We still believe we have pass rushers that can get the job done, but we're still in the process of evaluating our options, personnel wise," Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday.
"There's a chance we can bring somebody in. We'll look at all of those options over the next couple days."
The most recognizable names at the top of the free-agency list include veterans Dwight Freeney, John Abraham, Lance Briggs and Philip Wheeler. Harbaugh acknowledged that are more options now because veteran additions do not have a guaranteed contract when signed after Week 1.
"There are guys available out there," Harbaugh said. "We've just got to evaluate them and see how they fit with what we try to do here defensively and see which one of those guys might work for us."
With that said, Harbaugh first said the Ravens feel like they have the players to do the job.
"Obviously Elvis [Dumervil's] role will increase," Harbaugh said. "He'll be the starter as a rush linebacker over there on first and second down. He and Za'Darius [Smith] will work those reps, along with Courtney [Upshaw], at the outside linebacker spot."
Smith is the Ravens' 6-foot-4, 275-pound fourth-round rookie who has all the tools, but he's still adjusting to the NFL and to being a stand-up outside linebacker after playing with his hand in the dirt at Kentucky. Smith was a healthy scratch for the season opener.
"We're excited about Za'Darius [Smith]," Harbaugh said. "He didn't dress yesterday, but he's practiced really well and he's going to have to continue to improve. Sometimes you get thrown into the fire and guys respond and get forged."
