OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens made a roster move Monday that reflects their improved health coming off the bye week as they try to make a push for their first trip to the playoffs since 2014.
General manager Ozzie Newsome claimed offensive tackle Andrew Donnal off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams and cut running back and return specialist Bobby Rainey. The latter’s departure leads one to believe wide receiver Michael Campanaro will be ready to resume his return duties after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. Rainey returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the Week 6 loss to Chicago.
Baltimore should also have improved depth at the running back position with Week 1 starter Terrance West returning to the practice field last week after a four-game absence due to a calf injury. West’s role moving forward is unclear, however, with the emergence of Alex Collins, who has averaged 5.6 yards per carry and is 13th in the NFL in rushing despite being tied for 27th in attempts.
The Ravens must wait until next year to welcome back the likes of guards Marshal Yanda and Alex Lewis as well as running back Kenneth Dixon, but Sunday’s game at Green Bay will likely be the healthiest the active roster has been in quite some time. In addition to Campanaro and West, starting tight end Nick Boyle (toe) is expected to return and a plethora of others battling nagging injuries will benefit from the off-week.
“I could probably stand up here and give you the politically correct ‘coach speak’ and say nothing changes, but I’ll be honest with you: I’m excited,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “I’m excited for the fact that we have our offensive weapons back — the ones that are still with us. I feel like we are more full strength than we’ve been all year.”
The Ravens could also welcome back veteran running back Danny Woodhead, who was designated to return to practice on Oct. 31 and is eligible to be activated against the Packers. Harbaugh wouldn’t commit to him playing this week, however, as Woodhead is making his way back from a severe hamstring injury that sent him to injured reserve after the season opener.
It’s wise for the Ravens to be cautious with Woodhead, whose activation would require a 53-man roster move. His 21-day practice window will conclude next week, meaning a decision would have to be made by that point to activate him or leave him on IR for the rest of the season.
“He’s going to try to practice tomorrow,” Harbaugh said. “Throughout the week, we’ll have to see how he comes along during the week with practice and see what happens. It’s kind of hard to predict.”
Donnal, a 2015 fourth-round pick from Iowa, has made six career starts and now gives Baltimore nine offensive linemen on the active roster, but starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley was dealing with a shoulder injury and missed snaps in each of the final two games before the bye week.
