Ravens boost playoff hopes with strategic signings of Tomlinson and Jones
The Baltimore Ravens are making significant strides as they gear up for a crucial stretch run, bolstering their roster with the additions of offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson and linebacker Carl Jones Jr. These moves come at a pivotal time, offering much-needed support on both sides of the ball as the season enters its final weeks.
Tomlinson brings experience to the offensive line
Laken Tomlinson, recently released by the Houston Texans, is set to enhance the Ravens’ offensive line depth. Head coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism about Tomlinson’s potential impact, emphasizing the veteran’s extensive experience.
“I’m just kind of getting to know Laken,” Harbaugh remarked. “He’s had a great career and is a very physical, tough, and hard-nosed player. I had a chance to speak with him this morning – what a great conversation. He is a great man, a family man, and he played quite a bit this year. So, we’ll see how quickly he gets up to speed and how he fits into what we’re doing.”
At 33 years old, Tomlinson was a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, initially spending two seasons with the Detroit Lions before making his mark with the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and most recently, the Texans. His addition provides the Ravens with another solid option behind Andrew Voorhees and Daniel Faalele as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Jones strengthens the linebacker corps
In addition to Tomlinson, the Ravens also claimed Carl Jones Jr. off waivers from the Chicago Bears, adding depth to their linebacker unit and special teams. Harbaugh is optimistic about Jones’s readiness to contribute in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“That was a pickup that was really good and timely for us,” Harbaugh noted. “We’ve kind of been through two linebackers now on special teams, and then Carl becomes available – a guy we played against a few weeks ago. He’s young and a very effective special teams linebacker in this league. We had a chance to get him out there today to practice, and he looked good. He was picking up our stuff really well, and I expect him to be out there playing really well for us on Sunday.”
With Adisa Isaac and Jay Higgins IV currently on injured reserve, the Ravens faced a pressing need for depth in their linebacker ranks. The addition of Jones provides a much-needed boost for a team that has experienced its fair share of injuries this season.
The impact of timely moves
As the Ravens find themselves in a tight playoff race with just four weeks remaining, these strategic signings could prove pivotal. The depth provided by Tomlinson and Jones not only addresses immediate needs but also enhances the team’s resilience as they aim for a postseason berth. A small, yet impactful move like claiming Jones off waivers could be the difference-maker as they chase vital wins in the coming games.
