The Baltimore Ravens seemingly battled through a curse leading up to Week 1.
J.K. Dobbins, Justice Hill, and Gus Edwards all went down with season-ending injuries to absolutely decimate the running back room before the season could even began.
That left Ty’Son Williams as the last man standing.
Week 1 saw the Ravens fall in a thriller against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Lamar Jackson led the way in terms of rushing, while Williams and Latavius Murray each scored a touchdown.
Murray was the premier veteran addition, but the Ravens also added two former stars to the practice star.
Devonta Freeman and Le’Veon Bell were both signed by Baltimore and it became only a matter of time before we saw one.
It appears we will now see Freeman in Week 2.
From NFLNow: The #Ravens promoted RB Devonta Freeman to the 53-man, his best chance yet to restart his career. pic.twitter.com/eLVNs6CuRf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2021
Running back Trenton Cannon was cut to make room for Freeman on the 53-man roster.
A Fresh Start For Freeman
Freeman is still only 29 years old and should be fresh after recovering from an ankle injury he suffered with the New York Giants in 2020.
The veteran last made the Pro Bowl in 2016, which marked the last time he rushed for over 1,000 yards as well.
Freeman was a thrilling back who could catch the ball as well during his heyday with the Atlanta Falcons.
He had 73 receptions in 2015 and looked like a long-term threat in the Falcons offense.
His play, unfortunately, seemed to diminish after signing a five-year extension in 2017.
Freeman was out of Atlanta following the 2019 season and bounced around until landing with the Ravens.
He is now the third back in the Baltimore offense and may even be fourth if you consider Jackson’s running abilities.
But if he can even be half of the player he used to be the Ravens will have gotten a huge bargain.
The Nod Over Bell
Freeman getting called up before Bell is notable, but we should expect to see the latter at some point in 2021.
RB Le’Veon Bell signing with Ravens practice squad. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/OOqHSITIfk
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2021
Bell too is trying to get a fresh start after not making too much of an impact with the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
He famously sat out a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and proceeded to sign with the New York Jets, where players don’t exactly go to revitalize their careers.
Being in his current position provides little to no stress and he is going to get a chance to prove himself at some point.
Like Freeman, Bell has proven to be a weapon as a receiver.
How much either can do years removed from their peaks remains to be seen.
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