Ty Montgomery already had one bye this year with the Green Bay Packers. Now he's enjoying another bye week with the Ravens.
Montgomery is not complaining. After sitting out last week following his mid-week arrival in Baltimore, Montgomery said it's actually felt like three bye weeks.
"It's good on the body," Montgomery said, smiling. "I'll feel fresh."
Fresh legs are something the Ravens need, and Montgomery's addition gives them a new offensive weapon for the season's final seven games. He was inactive Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Montgomery could suit up when the Ravens re-take the field.
Having this bye week to study the playbook, plus next week's practices before the Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals, should give Montgomery all the time necessary to make his Baltimore debut.
He is a multi-talented player as a running back and kick returner, but Montgomery is not claiming he will save the day, with the Ravens (4-5) riding a three-game losing streak. He will only promise to give 100 percent in whatever role he is asked to play.
Montgomery downplayed the notion that he was acquired because the offense needed a new spark.
"I just got here," Montgomery said. "I almost feel like if I answer that question, it's me saying this offense needs a spark. I don't know. I'm going to do whatever's asked of me. Wherever they put me, whatever they tell me to do. I'm going to help the team any way I can."
In seven games with the Packers, Montgomery rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown on 26 carries, while catching 15 passes for 170 yards. Montgomery was also the Packers' primary kickoff returner, averaging 21.0 yards on 10 returns.
It remains to be seen how the Ravens will utilize Montgomery, but his versatility is an obvious plus. He was a wide receiver in college at Stanford, before the Packers converted him to running back during the 2016 season. It is easy to envision Montgomery becoming part of the running back rotation with Alex Collins, Javorius Allen and Gus Edwards, because Montgomery can help them as a runner, while also catching passes out of the backfield.
"I've always seen myself like that, doing multiple things," Montgomery said. "Growing up, I honestly thought was going to play running back in the league. It wasn't until college when I was just strictly a receiver.
"There's just more options from the backfield. I love being out in space, running a route. Sometimes it feels like I'm painting a picture. Then in the backfield, the colors get a little darker and it's a little more gritty. That's the way I view it. I have a lot of fun doing both."
Some running backs struggle with pass protection, but that is one of Montgomery's strengths. That is something Joe Flacco will appreciate, and Montgomery views his blocking as an important attribute.
"I take pride in that," Montgomery said. "It's part of my job description. My father's a working man. I take a lot of pride in doing my job and trying to do it well. Obviously, you've got to protect the quarterback if you want to play running back. If you can't do that, you're not going to be playing very long."
Montgomery wants to make an immediate contribution and is focusing on executing his assignments properly. He sees the talent in the Ravens' locker room and believes they can make a late-season surge. Montgomery was a sprinter on Stanford's track team and has the speed to make big plays if the Ravens get him in space.
"Everybody brings something special to the table," Montgomery said. "Football is about every man doing his 1/11th. There's 11 guys out there every play, and everybody's just got to do their 1/11th. Be yourself. A coach in college told me, 'Just be Ty. Don't be anybody else.' It's the same for everybody."
Montgomery joins the Ravens during a critical point in their season and is excited to be part of the mix. The Ravens hope to start fresh after the bye, and after leaving Green Bay, Montgomery will begin a new chapter of his career.
"I'm very happy to be here," Montgomery said. "I love it. My first impression has been amazing. It's a beautiful thing. God has me right where I need to be."
