Yannick Ngakoue returned to the Ravens in late September, and shortly after that, he found himself on the team’s active roster. However, the veteran edge rusher’s time in the organization may end.
Ngakoue is being waived, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. All players let go after the trade deadline are subject to waivers, putting them at risk of being claimed by an interested team. Should Ngakoue clear, though, Schefter notes the Ravens plan to retain him via a practice squad deal.
The 29-year-old had a quiet free-agent market before electing to return to Baltimore early in the regular season. Between gameday elevations and time spent on the 53-man roster, Ngakoue totaled five appearances; he recorded 1.5 sacks and five QB pressures over that span. Having logged only a 25% snap share this season, the Maryland product’s limited role could help his chances of passing through unclaimed.
On the other hand, several teams were connected to pursuing an edge rush addition before this week’s trade deadline. The Cardinals (Baron Browning), Lions (Za’Darius Smith) and Steelers (Preston Smith) all made moves on that front. Other teams — such as the Falcons — have shown interest in that area, and with the Giants electing to retain Azeez Ojulari, the waiver wire represents the last remaining avenue (aside from in-season free agency, of course) for teams to make roster additions.
The decision to waive Ngakoue hours before the start of Baltimore’s Thursday night matchup indicates a corresponding roster move could be coming. That could very well be the activation of running back Keaton Mitchell; a Week 10 return had previously been pointed to by head coach John Harbaugh, and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted Thursday morning an activation could be in play (video link). Indeed, the second-year back practiced in full this week, leading to the expectation he will debut Thursday, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
After signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent, Mitchell did not make his NFL debut until Week 6 last season. During his brief period in the lineup, the East Carolina product flashed considerable potential with a yards-per-carry average of 8.4. An ACL tear ended his promising rookie campaign, and he has remained on the PUP list since roster cutdowns.
The Ravens opened Mitchell’s practice window just over two weeks ago, so he does not need to be activated in time for Thursday’s matchup with the Bengals. If that does occur, the 22-year-old will look to join a backfield that has enjoyed considerable success in 2024, with Derrick Henry and Justice Hill leading the way.