Sergio Kindle's time in Baltimore is over.
The Ravens' top pick in the 2010 draft (second round) was cut from the team's practice squad Monday, ending a career in Baltimore that did not live up to expectations.
Kindle's career veered off course when he fell down a flight of stairs on the eve of his rookie training camp in 2010. He fractured his skull, a major injury that cost him his entire rookie year and set him back in his development.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said he and Kindle had a positive conversation and that it was "mutually agreed upon" between the two of them that it was time to part ways.
"It was nothing that he did or didn't do," Harbaugh said.
"I have high hopes for Sergio. I really do. He and I have gotten real close; I feel some responsibility for him and really want to see him do well. I really think he's got a chance to be good in this league. In the future we'll be there, I'll be there to support him. We'll do whatever we can to help him. He's hoping for an opportunity somewhere where he can maybe take the next step."
Kindle spent last season on the active roster, but was active for just two games as he had trouble learning the team's playbook.
Kindle flashed his pass-rush potential in this year's training camp, giving hope that he could possibly return to his former self. But he did not consistently perform well enough to see playing time. He logged four tackles and no sacks in three preseason games.
The Ravens still kept Kindle on the active roster, but he was active for just one game, in which he made one tackle. Kindle was cut and placed on the team's practice squad in October when outside linebacker Terrell Suggs came off the physically unable to perform list.
Kindle handled the move well.
"It could be [frustrating], but it hasn't," he said at the time. "Being frustrated isn’t going to help. Why do it?"
Kindle previously expressed his appreciation to the Ravens organization for sticking with him for three seasons while he tried to get his career on track.
"I really feel like this organization is so much more than football, you know?" he said. "I can honestly say they really care about players, and that goes from the head man all the way down."
Harbaugh said the Ravens may add a linebacker or offensive lineman to replace Kindle on their practice squad.
