OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Two members of the Ravens’ 2014 draft class headlined the early list of reported moves ahead of Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline to set the initial 53-man roster for the regular season.
Former third-round safety Terrence Brooks was waived after only two years with Baltimore and seventh-round wide receiver Michael Campanaro was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury. Brooks took part in Saturday morning’s practice and had played every snap of the final two preseason games, but he now represents the latest miss at the safety position since Super Bowl XLVII.
Injuries have been the biggest obstacle for Campanaro, a River Hill grad who played in just eight games in his first two seasons.
As expected, rookie wide receiver and former Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds was waived and could be re-signed to the Ravens’ practice squad. Struggling to adjust to a new role as a receiver and return specialist at the NFL level, Reynolds was limited to just one reception for two yards in four preseason games and struggled to catch punts throughout training camp.
Wide receiver Jeremy Butler was also waived despite leading the Ravens with 16 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason. Widely believed to have played well enough to earn a roster spot, Butler wold have ranked no higher than fifth on the depth chart and did not distinguish himself as a special-teams player, making him expendable in the organization’s eyes.
With return specialist candidates Campanaro and Reynolds being cut, general manager Ozzie Newsome is considering signing veteran Devin Hester, who has worked out twice for the Ravens and took a physical on Saturday morning. The 33-year-old underwent toe surgery in January and was released by Atlanta at the start of training camp.
“He is a proven returner, both as a kick returner and a punt returner,” said Harbaugh, who declined to comment on any concerns about the four-time Pro Bowl selection’s health. “He is at the back end of his career, so you have to factor that in to your decision. That will be up to Ozzie.”
Hester holds the NFL record for most career return touchdowns and most all-time punt return scores.
