The Baltimore Ravens activated Ja’Kobi Lane from injured reserve on Saturday, priming the rookie wide receiver to play on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Lane, 22, is one of Baltimore’s most-hyped rookies in recent memory. The third round pick (No. 80 overall) dazzled throughout training camp and appeared to carve out the Ravens’ No. 3 wide receiver role entering the regular season. But he fractured his wrist after just 27 snaps in Week 1, forcing him to undergo surgery and landing him on IR
for four weeks.
Lane was designated to return on Wednesday and practiced in full all three days this week. Head coach Jesse Minter praised his rookie’s work ethic to be physically ready to play as soon as he was eligible.
Baltimore’s receiving corps has played well in recent weeks, but Lane should still see plenty of opportunities in the offense. The unit lost blocking tight end Durham Smythe to a season-ending Achilles tear and rookie Matt Hibner for at least one week due to a hand injury. Mark Andrews is the Ravens’ best inline blocker now, and it might remain that way for the rest of the year. Lane’s 6-foot-5 frame was already expected to play a role in the red zone. now, he could be used as a big slot with Andrews taking on more inline work.
The Ravens also signed linebacker Carl Jones to their 53-man roster, making him available to play in Cleveland. The 25-year-old has appeared in two games this season with 33 snaps, all on special teams. None of Baltimore’s core special teams contributors are injured, but Lane will not contribute in that phase, which could give Jones a role on Sunday.
