Ravens officially place McClain on IR, promote Hamilton from practice squad

Following Saturday’s news that Ray Lewis would not make his return to action against the New York Giants on Sunday, the Ravens officially placed linebacker Jameel McClain on injured reserve and promoted outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton from the practice squad.
McClain suffered a spinal cord contusion against the Washington Redskins on Dec. 9 and was declared out for the season by coach John Harbaugh earlier this week. The Ravens appeared to delay making a roster move in hopes of Lewis taking his place on the 53-man roster but instead elected to place Hamilton on the roster.
Hamilton was signed to the Ravens’ practice squad on Sept. 3 and starred at Prairie View A&M during his collegiate career. In two seasons, he collected 108 tackles, 26 sacks, and 34 1/2 tackles for loss. As a senior last year, the 6-foot-3, 251-pound pass rusher led all Division I FCS players with 20 1/2 sacks, which set a new Southwestern Athletic Conference record
The Ravens could have promoted inside linebacker Nigel Carr from the practice squad to boost depth at the position but chose not to do so, which might be an indication they’re feeling optimistic about the potential return of Dannell Ellerbe. The fourth-year inside linebacker has missed the last three games with an ankle injury and declared himself a game-time decision on Friday.