The Baltimore Ravens released veteran wide receiver Chris Moore on Tuesday, per a team announcement
, likely clearing a roster spot for the return of third-round rookie Ja’Kobi Lane from injured reserve.Lane fractured his wrist in Week 1 and underwent surgery shortly after. He is eligible to return to practice on Wednesday. Head coach Jesse Minter said on Monday that the 6-foot-4 wideout has “done a really good job” staying physically ready to play during his time on the sidelines.
“I think he is
in a really good place from a conditioning standpoint, from what he has been able to do with the training room and the rehab standpoint,” Minter added.
Moore, originally a Ravens fourth-round pick in 2017, returned to Baltimore in July and made a push for the 53-man roster. He was unlikely to dislodge second-year receiver/returner LaJohntay Wester, who would have been exposed to waivers if cut. As a vested veteran, he was not subject to waivers and immediately re-signed to the practice squad. He appeared in four of the Ravens’ first five games and played 97 snaps on offense, primarily as a blocker. He did make a few plays through the air, including a 53-yard catch in Week 1 and a four-yard touchdown in Week 3.
The Ravens also released wide receiver Xavier Guillory from their practice squad on Tuesday, clearing a spot for Moore to re-sign on Wednesday. He still has two game day elevations remaining.
Baltimore’s receiving corps has been just fine without Lane. Zay Flowers has been the most efficient pass-catcher in the NFL, Rashod Bateman has 233 yards in the last four games, and Devontez Walker is still making an impact play on nearly every catch. However, Lane’s size could be valuable amid the current issues in the Ravens’ tight end room. Durham Smythe is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and Matt Hibner suffered a hand injury in Atlanta, though he returned to the game. Mark Andrews has been struggling with drops and is not the athletic downfield threat he once was.
With Smythe sidelined, Andrews is the Ravens’ best blocking tight end. He may need to take on more inline duties with Lane getting looks as a big slot who can find space in the middle of the field. His size could also help with Baltimore’s goal-to-go woes.
The former USC standout was the Ravens’ most exciting rookie in training camp with highlight-reel catches almost every day. The team’s two draft picks before him, Vega Ioane and Zion Young, have impressed in the trenches thus far, and a strong comeback from Lane would cement 2026 as one of Eric DeCosta’s best draft classes.
