Ravens Sign Duron Harmon to Practice Squad: Help for Williams Injury?
The Baltimore Ravens are adding a bit of insurance at safety as they turn their attention to a Week 2 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
In order to to help compensate for the injury to starter Marcus Williams, the Ravens are signing veteran defensive back Duron Harmon to their practice squad, per a Tuesday afternoon ESPN report.
Harmon spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders as a solid contributor to their secondary. The 32-year-old played in all 17 games for the ‘silver and black,’ making 16 starts. He finished the season with 86 total tackles, five passes-defensed, a pair of forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Still, Harmon is perhaps best-known for his time with the New England Patriots. In seven years with the Pats, he earned three Super Bowl championships while compiling 17 interceptions — one of which came against former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco intended for receiver Torrey Smith during Baltimore’s 35-31 loss to the Pats in a January 2015 playoff matchup. He also amassed 175 tackles, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries during his time in New England.
In addition to his one year with Las Vegas, he also played brief stints with the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons.
At this stage in his career, Harmon is still an effective downhill defender. As such, he should be tasked with containing opposing third-down pass-catchers, as well as receiving running backs. Though his signing will not serve as an ultimate solution to Williams absence, he should add a valuable veteran presence with the experience to make an impact as a game day roster elevation.
As for Williams, Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that Williams suffered a pectoral injury and "will be out for a while … though it may not be a season-ending injury.”
The length of Williams’ time away from the field depends on whether he opts to undergo surgery. Harbaugh said Williams was in the process of being evaluated and will make a decision soon, as reported by baltimoreravens.com, per doctor recommendation.
In turn, the Ravens are expected to start Geno Stone against Cincinnati who started seven games last season while subbing for Williams when he had a broken wrist. Stone had 38 tackles and a forced fumble last season.
The Ravens and Bengals are set for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday from Paycor Stadium.
