The Ravens bolstered their practice squad by re-signing linebacker Kristian Welch and adding cornerback, both of whom could enhance their special teams units.
Welch, who was released by the Denver Broncos after their Week 6 loss, primarily played special teams but saw significant defensive action this year with 36 snaps, including one start. Undrafted from Iowa, he spent his first three seasons in Baltimore, appearing in 43 games and making 21 tackles, mostly on special teams.
Last season, he played in 14 games with the Green Bay Packers, and his experience could prove valuable, especially if linebacker Malik Harrison, who missed Sunday’s game against the Commanders due to a groin injury, is unable to play in their upcoming matchup against Tampa Bay.
Kendall takes the place of Damarion “Pepe” Williams, who was cut from Baltimore’s practice squad on Tuesday. Released from the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad last week, Kendall played in 16 games for the Titans last season, mostly on special teams.
The 5-foot-10 cornerback went undrafted out of Div. III Baldwin Wallace University, where he was recognized as the Ohio Athletic Conference defensive back of the year and earned second-team Div. III All-American honors in 2022. He made history as the first Baldwin Wallace alumni to play in the NFL since 1987, adding a unique story to his journey in professional football.
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The Baltimore Ravens gained flexibility with their practice squad by promoting Yannick Ngakoue and releasing Damarion Williams. General manager Eric DeCosta took advantage of this flexibility to bring inside linebacker Kristian Welch back to M&T Bank Stadium.
Anthony Kendall, a former cornerback for the Tennessee Titans, filled the other position for DeCosta. On Wednesday, October 16, Ryan Mink, editorial director of Ravens.com, verified both transfers.
Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic had hinted at the possibility of Welch and the Ravens getting back together earlier in the day. Zrebiec wrote, “Welch spent portions of three seasons as a core special team member with the Ravens after initially signing with them as a UDFA in 2020. The Broncos recently let him go.
It makes sense to add two players who can improve an area of the game that the Ravens value more than most in the NFL. It’s a wise countermove to the selections made a week ago to release Williams and bring edge-rusher Ngakoue onto the active roster.
Kristian Welch Can Boost Improving Special Teams
For as long as John Harbaugh has been head coach, the Ravens have been strong in the third phase of football. He established his name coaching special teams for the Philadelphia Eagles before the Ravens granted him quite the promotion back in 2008.
Seeing the Ravens struggle early in the season would have irritated Harbaugh, who has a fondness for the kicking game. Due to his difficulties, All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker missed three straight games’ worth of kicks, including two that were longer than fifty yards.
Justin Tucker bounced back impressively during Week 5, converting two crucial kicks, including a 56-yarder that helped set up overtime in the Ravens’ thrilling 41-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. This performance showed that Tucker is back in form after a rocky start to the season.
He wasn’t the only member of the special teams unit to face challenges early in the season. Punter Jordan Stout had a forgettable moment in Week 2 when he shanked a late kick, contributing to the Ravens’ upset loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the kicking game has improved significantly over the last two games, with both Tucker and Stout finding their rhythm.
Additionally, the Ravens’ coverage teams have stepped up, making impactful plays. Notably, backup guard Ben Cleveland made a key contribution by blocking a field goal against the Washington Commanders in Week 6, showcasing the unit’s resilience and ability to make game-changing plays. This positive momentum in special teams will be crucial as the Ravens continue to navigate the season.
Cleveland has found success on special teams despite not being able to get on the field along the offensive line. “Cleveland recently approached special teams coach Chris Horton and said he wanted to be on FG block team,” Harbaugh informed reporters, including Zrebiec.
Welch will get the opportunity to make an impression because the Ravens are willing to try any player who might be useful on special teams. According to Pro Football Reference, he was very active during his first stint with the Ravens, logging over 300 special teams snaps in consecutive seasons.
Reuniting with Welch was just the start of a cunning practice squad reorganization.
Ravens Making Smart Use for Practice Squad
Securing special teams help is a solid start, but the Ravens also need extra bodies in other ways. More skill is needed at cornerback, where the weakest pass defense in the league could use it.
Though there are still more capable veterans available, such as Xavien Howard and former Raven Kyle Fuller, Williams may fill the job. So is Justin Bethel, a star player for special teams.
In the end, DeCosta decided on Kendall, who Mink mentioned “played in 16 games for the Titans last season, almost exclusively on special teams.”
The decision indicates that the Ravens’ primary focus right now is on special teams. To increase their alternatives in this crucial area, they have wisely utilized the practice squad.
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