Baltimore Ravens helmet (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens have made a curious roster move ahead of their ‘Thursday Night Football’ clash against the Cincinnati Bengals, cutting veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
The decision has freed up a spot on the team’s 53-man roster, which could mean running back Keaton Mitchell could be activated to face Cincinnati, with Ngakoue also likely to be signed to the practice squad should he clear waivers.
The 29-year-old, a Pro Bowler in 2017, has played five games for Baltimore this season, registering five tackles and 1.5 sacks prior to his release. He was with the team in 2020 as well, making nine appearances.
Yannick Ngakoue Has Bounced Around The NFL Over The Past Several Years
Ngakoue was a third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 and spent four years there before a move to the Minnesota Vikings. The 2017 forced fumbles leader has been on a journeyman run since, bouncing around the Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and back to Baltimore.
He could find another opportunity elsewhere if a team decides to claim him off waivers.
The former Maryland standout has made 128 appearances in the pros, registering 228 tackles, 70.5 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.
Meanwhile, the Ravens will look to frustrate the Bengals and go 7-3 this Thursday after beating them earlier in the season. A win would see them jump ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, and they could remain in first place if Mike Tomlin’s side fall short in their upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
