Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan?s unit is the most feared of its kind in the NFL when it is at full strength. But right now, it doesn?t resemble the group that was the league?s top-ranked defense last year.
“We need depth,” Ryan said. “Obviously, we feel pretty good about our starters, but we need to make sure we are getting the right people to fill those depth roles. And you can?t go a whole season with just 11 guys out there. So, it?s critical. And it?s critical that we make the right decisions on everybody on our roster.”
The team has relied on inexperienced players to take the place of injured starters throughout the preseason, including defensive tackle Kelly Gregg, who could return for Saturday?s game against the Redskins after missing the first two preseason games with a bruised right thigh and injured knee.
Justin Bannan has replaced Gregg, an eight-year veteran who signed a four-year, $20 million contract extension in the offseason.
The team?s other defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata, could sit out Saturday?s preseason game against the Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover with a right bursa sac injury. He has seen limited practice time this week, and coaches have said they have no intentions of him risking further injury by playing a meaningless game.
Defensive end Dwan Edwards remains an outside shot to move back to tackle, where he spent the first three years of his career.
“I?m learning a new role, as far as playing a 3-4 end as opposed to defensive tackle,” Edwards said. “Now that I?m an end, I know I?m an end. I can kind of slim down and I?m better suited to play there now.”
Cornerback Samari Rolle has been ruled out for this week?s game with a right ankle sprain and will be replaced by David Pittman, who did not play a down during his rookie season last year.
“I would say this year compared to last year, I have a lot more knowledge of the game,” Pittman said. “There?s a couple of secrets I picked up on. I know a lot more about the defense and I learned a lot more from the older guys like [cornerback Chris] McAlister, Rolle and [safety] Ed Reed.”
While some veterans maintain the preseason is irrelevant, Ryan said the injuries have allowed him to evaluate talent.
“There are a lot of spots up for grabs,” he said. “There are also guys who are going to be on this football team, but, how is the order going to stack up? Who are the backup corners? How they are ranked? I think that?s important and that?s what these guys are battling for, as well.”
