Rumor: Lee Evans headed to IR?

[ChaosLex]

I think someone mentioned this over on the Ravens 24/7 message boards. Anyone hearing anything?

[JohnnyK27]

I think someone mentioned this over on the Ravens 24/7 message boards. Anyone hearing anything?

Sounds like Hookum to me :)

[Sports Guy]

It wouldn't be that shocking.

It sounds like he could be weeks away from returning and the Ravens may feel they need that roster spot if he is still a month or so away.

I mean think about it, if he is 3-4 weeks away from returning, he will then need to get into game shape and gain back that repoire he needs with Joe and the rest of the offense.

So really, he may prove to be a weapon for us in the playoffs....which is obviously important but it may not be a situation where you are ok with taking away a roster spot for the hope that everything will end up good with Evans.

My personal biggest issue with this is that you have done nothing to develop Doss or Reed as a third WR this year...So, you would be going with Boldin, Smith(who is an improving but still raw WR) and the TEs...we need more than that.

So, unless they ready to unleash Doss or they are going to go out and sign someone(like TO?), then the WR corps will be very thin and not experienced come playoff time.

[Tony-OH]

This does bring up the question, "What in the world has gone wrong with Doss this year?" Maybe Miller can chime in because clearly something is amiss when an undrafted FA is seeing more tome then the 4th round pick, especially after the 4th round pick looked competent in preseason.

[Miller192]

This does bring up the question, "What in the world has gone wrong with Doss this year?" Maybe Miller can chime in because clearly something is amiss when an undrafted FA is seeing more tome then the 4th round pick, especially after the 4th round pick looked competent in preseason.

Doss has not done anything in practice to get a look. He's not seperating from DBs and looks slow after the catch.

[Hooded Viper]

This does bring up the question, "What in the world has gone wrong with Doss this year?" Maybe Miller can chime in because clearly something is amiss when an undrafted FA is seeing more tome then the 4th round pick, especially after the 4th round pick looked competent in preseason.

Well I think you will hear Harbaugh say it is all about special teams. LeQuan Williams is a good ST player and apparently Doss isn't. I think that is BS but I believe that is what you will hear. Hopefully Miller has more insight.

[Miller192]

Lee Evans says he's coming back but who knows.

I haven't heard anything that there are plans to IR him now. I'd be surprised if that was decided at this point.

[Stevo5278]

Well I think you will hear Harbaugh say it is all about special teams. LeQuan Williams is a good ST player and apparently Doss isn't. I think that is BS but I believe that is what you will hear. Hopefully Miller has more insight.

Doss has been active for every game this year starting with the St. Louis game but he's received less WR action than anyone. ST has nothing to due with his lack of snaps on offense. Watching on Monday night it looked like Williams was the #3 and Reed got a few snaps as a sub during the TD drive in the 4th quarter. That tells me that Doss is the #5 guy right now and would be the #6 guy if Evans comes back.

Like Tony said, I'm really surprised that he's fallen this low considering that he looked pretty good in the preseason as far as making the tough catches over the middle. I really had hopes that he would fill the Mason role as the guy to get us tough short catches in key 3rd downs.

[Stevo5278]

Lee Evans says he's coming back but who knows.

I haven't heard anything that there are plans to IR him now. I'd be surprised if that was decided at this point.

Is it really just an ankle injury that's hobbling him or is something else going on?

[Pedro Cerrano]

I have no issue with this and cementing Torrey Smith as our #2 WR. I think he's going to be a beast in this league.

[Sports Guy]

I have no issue with this and cementing Torrey Smith as our #2 WR. I think he's going to be a beast in this league.Rookies hit walls..especially in the playoffs.

Not to mention, Smith still disappears a lot.

I hope Evans can get back healthy because we are clearly better with him.

[paulcoates]

I asked Zrebiec via Twitter the same the the other day and he said he hasn't heard anything about this. Looks like Buffalo got the better end of this deal

[Sports Guy]

I asked Zrebiec via Twitter the same the the other day and he said he hasn't heard anything about this. Looks like Buffalo got the better end of this dealIf we had traded a 4th rounder for Manning back in July, Indy would have gotten the better end of the deal.

Injuries happen, nothing you can do about it. If you could make the trade all over again, you do it every time.

[Stevo5278]

If we had traded a 4th rounder for Manning back in July, Indy would have gotten the better end of the deal.

Injuries happen, nothing you can do about it. If you could make the trade all over again, you do it every time.

I forget... Was the deal conditional based on Evans' 2011 performance?

[McLovin]

If we had traded a 4th rounder for Manning back in July, Indy would have gotten the better end of the deal.

Injuries happen, nothing you can do about it. If you could make the trade all over again, you do it every time.
Yes, you still make that trade. 4th round picks turn into..........Tandon Doss.

[Stevo5278]

Yes, you still make that trade. 4th round picks turn into..........Tandon Doss.

Haha. True, although sometimes they turn into Jarret Johnson!

[Eddie_Ripken]

Doss has not done anything in practice to get a look. He's not seperating from DBs and looks slow after the catch.

He's not getting a look because it sounds like he's looking like the rest of the WR corp. I don't think there was even one play on Monday where a WR got seperation. The Rams game with Smith was about the only game where it seemed liek our WR's are separating.

[Sports Guy]

Evans is improving...IR not an option...Should be back in a few weeks.

I am going to guess that they are targeting the TGiving game.

[flashjordnk]

Evans is improving...IR not an option...Should be back in a few weeks.

I am going to guess that they are targeting the TGiving game.

With him not practicing at all...I wonder how much he's going to be able to really give us without being able to get his timing down with Joe. Hopefully he comes back healthy enough to be able to run fast enough for Joe not to overthrow. That's where Joe feels like he's struggled this year.

[Dagger420]

This does bring up the question, "What in the world has gone wrong with Doss this year?" Maybe Miller can chime in because clearly something is amiss when an undrafted FA is seeing more tome then the 4th round pick, especially after the 4th round pick looked competent in preseason.

Joe also made a comment in a presser that Doss can't see the field because of Anquan. I guess they see Doss as basically the same player as Anquan and as long as Boldin is in the game Doss would be redundant.

Personally it doesn't look like Williams can catch a cold in the games. I'd rather go with double TE every time (sorta like the Pats) than put in a third WR.

[The Rick]

Joe also made a comment in a presser that Doss can't see the field because of Anquan. I guess they see Doss as basically the same player as Anquan and as long as Boldin is in the game Doss would be redundant.

Personally it doesn't look like Williams can catch a cold in the games. I'd rather go with double TE every time (sorta like the Pats) than put in a third WR.

Well that's a stupid comment for Joe to make, IMO. Why in the hell would you draft him if he was redundant with Boldin... Q isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Miller made a comment a couple weeks ago that Doss wasn't showing enough in practice to warrant any game action.

[Dagger420]

Well that's a stupid comment for Joe to make, IMO. Why in the hell would you draft him if he was redundant with Boldin... Q isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Miller made a comment a couple weeks ago that Doss wasn't showing enough in practice to warrant any game action.

Yea I saw Miller's comment. Keep in mind Joe was given a choice of WR to draft and he chose Doss. Probably because of his overall ability not because of how he fit in with the team. If you think about it, Tandon's rap is very similar to Boldin... Slower with size, and a good route runner with good hands. He's essentially a poor man's Boldin if you think about it. Similar to how Reed is a mini Mason.

[Hooded Viper]

Well that's a stupid comment for Joe to make, IMO. Why in the hell would you draft him if he was redundant with Boldin... Q isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Miller made a comment a couple weeks ago that Doss wasn't showing enough in practice to warrant any game action.

He's a 4th rounder who is stuck behind one of the better WR's in the game. If his skill set is the same as Boldin's then I don't think it is such a stupid statement by Joe. He sits until, heaven forbid, Q goes down or Q retires. Or until he shows a different skill set. I don't see any problem with that.

[RavNMadMan]

This does bring up the question, "What in the world has gone wrong with Doss this year?" Maybe Miller can chime in because clearly something is amiss when an undrafted FA is seeing more tome then the 4th round pick, especially after the 4th round pick looked competent in preseason.

With Williams being very inconsistent, I'm very surprised we haven't seen Doss. Not sure if there is some issue but when there's no smoke, usually no fire. Maybe those rumors about the Harbs "doghouse" are true?

[RavNMadMan]

Joe also made a comment in a presser that Doss can't see the field because of Anquan. I guess they see Doss as basically the same player as Anquan and as long as Boldin is in the game Doss would be redundant.

Personally it doesn't look like Williams can catch a cold in the games. I'd rather go with double TE every time (sorta like the Pats) than put in a third WR.

I hear you but what exactly would be wrong with 2 Boldins....everybody knows that Joe is very comfortable getting the ball to possession receivers (see guys named Mason, Boldin, Heap, Dickson, Pitta)

[Sports Guy]

Last night showed how much we need Evans. Yes, Smith caught the TD but he had 4 drops...Evans can't get back soon enough.

[The Rick]

Last night showed how much we need Evans. Yes, Smith caught the TD but he had 4 drops...Evans can't get back soon enough.

No doubt about it. It was frustrating as all get out watching Cotchery come up with a few nice grabs down the stretch last night.

[Stevo5278]

Last night showed how much we need Evans. Yes, Smith caught the TD but he had 4 drops...Evans can't get back soon enough.

I can't wait to see how this passing game looks with both Evans and Smith running deep. It could get really fun!

[flashjordnk]

Last night showed how much we need Evans. Yes, Smith caught the TD but he had 4 drops...Evans can't get back soon enough.

See I can say nice things about Evans, in 2009 he was labeled as the most sure handed guy in terms of dropped passes by FBO. With 1 of 95.

What's always concerned me about Evans is that he's not physical enough to get off the LOS. Of those 94 other passes that he didn't drop he actually was only able to get his hands on 44 of them. He had a 46% catch rate. If you go look at the numbers for other high target receivers, minimum of 50 targets, he's in the bottom 10 for catch rate. He might not drop balls, but those rates aren't that good. They rank him 71st of 89 total players overall. His catch rate in 2010 declined to 44%.

In 2010, the rank him 73 of 85. So far this year Torrey Smith is ranked 37th of 88 according to them, a prorated at least 26 attempts. I'm not sure why we think Evans will just get exponentially better at this point.

Now back to nice things about Evans, in 2006 the FBO ranked him 3rd best in the league. 2007, 68th, 2008, 19th. (then 2009/2010 71/73). Can he get back to 2006/2008 numbers? Counting on him coming back to bolster us would be great, but I don't think it's as sure of a thing as you present it.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/wr2009

Don't underrate Smith, some of those catches that he's missed were tough ones and he is a rookie. But I'll say this, I'm glad he's getting the reps now, and Evans presence in our starting lineup would have deprived him of some really valuable game time that we're going to be really glad he got come January.

His rookie numbers look a ton like Mike Wallace. It's quite crazy, he's got the speed and better size.

I'm not saying Evans can't help us...but I'm glad Smith is the guy we ended up with getting major big time reps. The value of last night TD going to him for this team in this year and in the future is pretty huge.

[JohnnyK27]

See I can say nice things about Evans, in 2009 he was labeled as the most sure handed guy in terms of dropped passes by FBO. With 1 of 95.

What's always concerned me about Evans is that he's not physical enough to get off the LOS. Of those 94 other passes that he didn't drop he actually was only able to get his hands on 44 of them. He had a 46% catch rate. If you go look at the numbers for other high target receivers, minimum of 50 targets, he's in the bottom 10 for catch rate. He might not drop balls, but those rates aren't that good. They rank him 71st of 89 total players overall. His catch rate in 2010 declined to 44%.

In 2010, the rank him 73 of 85. So far this year Torrey Smith is ranked 37th of 88 according to them, a prorated at least 26 attempts. I'm not sure why we think Evans will just get exponentially better at this point.

Now back to nice things about Evans, in 2006 the FBO ranked him 3rd best in the league. 2007, 68th, 2008, 19th. (then 2009/2010 71/73). Can he get back to 2006/2008 numbers? Counting on him coming back to bolster us would be great, but I don't think it's as sure of a thing as you present it.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/wr2009

Don't underrate Smith, some of those catches that he's missed were tough ones and he is a rookie. But I'll say this, I'm glad he's getting the reps now, and Evans presence in our starting lineup would have deprived him of some really valuable game time that we're going to be really glad he got come January.

His rookie numbers look a ton like Mike Wallace. It's quite crazy, he's got the speed and better size.

I'm not saying Evans can't help us...but I'm glad Smith is the guy we ended up with getting major big time reps. The value of last night TD going to him for this team in this year and in the future is pretty huge.


I'm not underrating Smith ....What I will say is that they showed him running his route on the drop. During that play he seemed to have quit on the play. Had he kept running he would have caught the ball easily.

[ccbird]

We have 3 guys right now who drop too many cathable balls. Boldin, Torry, and Dickson. People can't let Q off the hook in this regard either. It definitely worries me going forward. Hopefully, a veteran like Evans returning will help in that regard . I'll tell you I still wish we had Mason, or better yet someone with Mason's skillset without the diva attitude. An outstanding route runner with surehands on the outside opposite Torrey with Boldin inside would do wonders for the 3 WR sets.

[flashjordnk]

I'm not underrating Smith ....What I will say is that they showed him running his route on the drop. During that play he seemed to have quit on the play. Had he kept running he would have caught the ball easily.

I can't defend Smith as being absolutely perfect, but for a rookie WR, he's showing some pretty impressive talent.

I'm not saying Smith is perfect and it seems like his head needs to be screwed on a little bit tighter. But the guy is on pace for 800+ yards receiving on the year and 8 TDs. And that's really in 6 games given he didn't do anything in his first game. He can get separation, he beats guys at the LOS with his strength and size, and his recognition of defenses really seems to be improving.

I'm just not buying a WR who can't get back from a foot injury faster than a Guard with Turf Toe.

[flashjordnk]

We have 3 guys right now who drop too many cathable balls. Boldin, Torry, and Dickson. People can't let Q off the hook in this regard either. It definitely worries me going forward. Hopefully, a veteran like Evans returning will help in that regard . I'll tell you I still wish we had Mason, or better yet someone with Mason's skillset without the diva attitude. An outstanding route runner with surehands on the outside opposite Torrey with Boldin inside would do wonders for the 3 WR sets.

Yeah...I'd love to see someone go back through Joe's career and come up with a drop rate for his WRs. Boldin in the Pitt game. Clayton in the NEP game. Are the two quick ones that come to mind. But I feel like there have been plenty of others. Like Boldin's last night that you just don't remember as much for some reason or another.

[Sports Guy]

Flash, stop saying Smith is a rookie..Who cares.

That is exactly why a guy like Evans is so important. Rookies hit walls, they make mistakes, they drop passes, etc.....

All you are doing is arguing why it is important to have Evans, especially in the playoffs.

[flashjordnk]

Flash, stop saying Smith is a rookie..Who cares.

That is exactly why a guy like Evans is so important. Rookies hit walls, they make mistakes, they drop passes, etc.....

All you are doing is arguing why it is important to have Evans, especially in the playoffs.

You're right, I'll stop saying he's a rookie; I'm arguing that even if Smith is a rookie he is more talented and the better receiver than Evans. And that giving the reps that Smith has gotten over the last 8 games to Evans would have made this team a worse team in the playoffs with or without Evans.

All players hit walls, all players drop passes, all players make mistakes. Some even nurse ankle injuries for 7 straight weeks.

Smith is now 213 yards away from matching Evans last full year of 16 games. And only 181 yards from matching his total last year.

[Sports Guy]

You're right, I'll stop saying he's a rookie; I'm arguing that even if Smith is a rookie he is more talented and the better receiver than Evans. And that giving the reps that Smith has gotten over the last 8 games to Evans would have made this team a worse team in the playoffs with or without Evans.

All players hit walls, all players drop passes, all players make mistakes. Some even nurse ankle injuries for 7 straight weeks.

Smith is now 213 yards away from matching Evans last full year of 16 games. And only 181 yards from matching his total last year.Well, you are just wrong. Evans is a far superior route runner and has better hands.

Now, will the ankle injury severely slow him down..perhaps but even if all he is(because of that) is a possession WR, then he is still the better WR.

It is good that Smith is getting reps and making plays...I do agree with that. In some ways, the Evans injury is a blessing because of that.

HOWEVER, they need that other vet guy.

[flashjordnk]

In some ways, the Evans injury is a blessing because of that.

HOWEVER, they need that other vet guy.

In some ways? In all ways. With the way Torrey looked in the preseason he was destined for the John Harbaugh dog house. Ellerbe was making room for him. This was a huge blessing.


Now, will the ankle injury severely slow him down..perhaps but even if all he is(because of that) is a possession WR

Seriously, you think Evans is a possession reciever? Lol. I'll give you that he has better hands than Smith. But you're stretching to call him a possession receiver. He's a small speedy guy who can beat defenses deep at times and if he catches a slant pattern in stride can take it deep. He doesn't run curls or outs and honestly Buffalo didn't really use him over the middle of the field at all.

[Sports Guy]

Seriously, you think Evans is a possession reciever? Lol. I'll give you that he has better hands than Smith. But you're stretching to call him a possession receiver. He's a small speedy guy who can beat defenses deep at times and if he catches a slant pattern in stride can take it deep. He doesn't run curls or outs and honestly Buffalo didn't really use him over the middle of the field at all.Do you have the ability to read and comptrehend what is said? I never said he IS a possession WR. I said if his ankle slows him up and turns him into a possession WR.....

[flashjordnk]

Do you have the ability to read and comptrehend what is said? I never said he IS a possession WR. I said if his ankle slows him up and turns him into a possession WR.....

So Lee Evans is so good that he can become something he's never been in his whole career? You're arguing that he could become a possession receiver and through all the terribleness of the last two years of his career Cameron can morph him into a possession receiver and call those plays to him but the Bills coaching staff was just too stupid to think of that? But glorious Cam Cameron is going to be the genius to fix his career?

Also if his ankle is so hurt he loses speed, that won't alter his ability to cut? Ankles are arguably more important for cutting on routes than running in a straight line, no?

[ccbird]

The Evans injury has def been a blessing in disguise in that Flash is right that it seems Torrey was destined for the Harbaugh doghouse. Maybe not, maybe he would have found his way anyway, but I don't think it is a coincidence that the week after Evans sits is the week Torrey explodes. I think by putting him essentially in Evans position it allowed him to excel and do what he does best which is run deep routes. They way it works out now is Torrey has been thrown into the fire, not eased in, and despite ups and downs has played well and made an impact. I think it will be much easier to ease Evans, a veteran, back into the mix and it ultimately makes us a better team going forward.

[flashjordnk]

Also, SG, aren't you the least bit disappointed Evans hasn't bounced back from an ankle injury yet? It's been what 7 weeks? Where is the drive from the guy, we've got a SB Caliber team and it seems like he's in zero rush to get back on the field. Maybe they are putting off surgery or something like that and he's trying to work through it, but you'd think that if it were the case we'd hear stories about how hard the guy is working and how badly he wants to come back.

I obviously didn't love Evans to begin with. But the whole situation at this point feels a little fishy. Maybe in a weird ironic turn of events Evans is the one in Harbaugh's dog house now.

[ccbird]

Also, SG, aren't you the least bit disappointed Evans hasn't bounced back from an ankle injury yet? It's been what 7 weeks? Where is the drive from the guy, we've got a SB Caliber team and it seems like he's in zero rush to get back on the field. Maybe they are putting off surgery or something like that and he's trying to work through it, but you'd think that if it were the case we'd hear stories about how hard the guy is working and how badly he wants to come back.

I obviously didn't love Evans to begin with. But the whole situation at this point feels a little fishy. Maybe in a weird ironic turn of events Evans is the one in Harbaugh's dog house now.


I think we all know by now that the Ravens aren't happy with how long it's taken Evans to come back and that Harbaugh isn;t a big fan of his. Now, I'm not saying Evans isn't still hurt but I do agree that the Ravens FO and coaches are disappointed with Evans so far.

[Sports Guy]

So Lee Evans is so good that he can become something he's never been in his whole career? You're arguing that he could become a possession receiver and through all the terribleness of the last two years of his career Cameron can morph him into a possession receiver and call those plays to him but the Bills coaching staff was just too stupid to think of that? But glorious Cam Cameron is going to be the genius to fix his career?

Also if his ankle is so hurt he loses speed, that won't alter his ability to cut? Ankles are arguably more important for cutting on routes than running in a straight line, no?
First of all, I said that if his speed is taken away by the ankle and all he becomes this year is a possession WR that the value is still there and that we would still need him. I am not saying that's what WILL happen.

Secondly, do you really think all he can do is run a go route and a slant? You really believe that a guy with almost 400 career receptions and 6000 yards receiving can only run 2 patterns? You don't think he can run sideline patterns, crossing routes, bubble screens, WR screens, curls, etc...Only those 2 routes?

And sure, his ankle could hinder those routes but not all of them.

Also, SG, aren't you the least bit disappointed Evans hasn't bounced back from an ankle injury yet? It's been what 7 weeks? Where is the drive from the guy, we've got a SB Caliber team and it seems like he's in zero rush to get back on the field. Maybe they are putting off surgery or something like that and he's trying to work through it, but you'd think that if it were the case we'd hear stories about how hard the guy is working and how badly he wants to come back.

I obviously didn't love Evans to begin with. But the whole situation at this point feels a little fishy. Maybe in a weird ironic turn of events Evans is the one in Harbaugh's dog house now.I don't know what is going on with Evans. Todd Heap missed like 10 games one year with a high ankle sprain. Could Evans be doing more? Who knows. Do you think he is tanking it? Do you think he doesn't care?

In his first 6 years, he didn't miss a game...He missed 3 last year.

Do you not think he ever played through pain or injury before?

I am not saying he is doing everything he can..quite frankly, none of us really know. I have heard some rumors of things and maybe he is just being a big wuss but high ankle sprains can be very serious things.

[paulcoates]

If/when he comes back, Evans he might eat in Torrey Smith's snaps, and like the way he is progressing. Seems like he can run by most anyone in the league. Very fast and stretches the field.

[JohnnyK27]

Has Miller said anything about his injury? I can't believe it's going on 2 months and the guy isn't at least practicing???

[Miller192]

Has Miller said anything about his injury? I can't believe it's going on 2 months and the guy isn't at least practicing???

You're not the only one with that question.

Should be back for the 49ers game in a limited role.

[flashjordnk]

Secondly, do you really think all he can do is run a go route and a slant? You really believe that a guy with almost 400 career receptions and 6000 yards receiving can only run 2 patterns? You don't think he can run sideline patterns, crossing routes, bubble screens, WR screens, curls, etc...Only those 2 routes?

I'll leave it at this, if Evans could run these routes effectively, Stevie Johnson wouldn't have eaten into his snaps. Buffalo wouldn't have traded him for a 4th round pick and he'd more than 1 season of more than 65 catches in a year. I don't think Buffalo is the perfectly run organization, but if Evans was good enough to be the receiver people wanted him to be when we traded for him you'd think his last good year had come before 2008. The guy is a 30 year old receiver who's best asset was his speed and as he's aged, it's started to decline IMO. It's hurt his ability as a receiver.

No more excuses for Lee Evans, the dude needs to get out on the field and play, or this trade needs to be labeled a bust. You are what you are. Todd Heap was a gritty tough guy who could do a lot of things for this team. I'm gladly take him back to be our slot/hback/TE guy over having Lee Evans here any day of the week.

[Miller192]

I'll leave it at this, if Evans could run these routes effectively, Stevie Johnson wouldn't have eaten into his snaps. Buffalo wouldn't have traded him for a 4th round pick and he'd more than 1 season of more than 65 catches in a year. I don't think Buffalo is the perfectly run organization, but if Evans was good enough to be the receiver people wanted him to be when we traded for him you'd think his last good year had come before 2008. The guy is a 30 year old receiver who's best asset was his speed and as he's aged, it's started to decline IMO. It's hurt his ability as a receiver.

No more excuses for Lee Evans, the dude needs to get out on the field and play, or this trade needs to be labeled a bust. You are what you are. Todd Heap was a gritty tough guy who could do a lot of things for this team. I'm gladly take him back to be our slot/hback/TE guy over having Lee Evans here any day of the week.

The Ravens couldn't have went into the season with what they had on their roster in August. It was filled with inexperience.

Fortunately for the Ravens, Smith and both TEs are developing at a fast level. Williams is showing a lot in practice and getting separation on the slant and seam routes.

We caught a break. When you draft and develop well, those things happen.

[Tony-OH]

The Ravens couldn't have went into the season with what they had on their roster in August. It was filled with inexperience.

Fortunately for the Ravens, Smith and both TEs are developing at a fast level. Williams is showing a lot in practice and getting separation on the slant and seam routes.

We caught a break. When you draft and develop well, those things happen.

You are not kidding. With the addition of Rice, Flacco, Dickson, Pitta, Smith and even Williams to some extent, the Ravens have a done a much better job of drafting skill offensive players over the last 4-5 years compared to the previous failures (Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton, etc). Was there any major change in their scouting department or one guy who has made a difference?

[Tony-OH]

I'll leave it at this, if Evans could run these routes effectively, Stevie Johnson wouldn't have eaten into his snaps. Buffalo wouldn't have traded him for a 4th round pick and he'd more than 1 season of more than 65 catches in a year. I don't think Buffalo is the perfectly run organization, but if Evans was good enough to be the receiver people wanted him to be when we traded for him you'd think his last good year had come before 2008. The guy is a 30 year old receiver who's best asset was his speed and as he's aged, it's started to decline IMO. It's hurt his ability as a receiver.

No more excuses for Lee Evans, the dude needs to get out on the field and play, or this trade needs to be labeled a bust. You are what you are. Todd Heap was a gritty tough guy who could do a lot of things for this team. I'm gladly take him back to be our slot/hback/TE guy over having Lee Evans here any day of the week.

Yeah, I've got serious doubts about this guys desire and toughness. At the same time, who wouldn't want to get on the field with a winner like the Ravens. I would think every guy would want to get out there and contribute. I'm starting to wonder if we have another Gaither on our hands here.

[Flacco Machado]

Yeah, I've got serious doubts about this guys desire and toughness. At the same time, who wouldn't want to get on the field with a winner like the Ravens. I would think every guy would want to get out there and contribute. I'm starting to wonder if we have another Gaither on our hands here.

Reminds me of Todd Heap a few years ago. He missed 10 games and we were all thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, this injury just takes a long, long time to heal properly.

[flashjordnk]

Reminds me of Todd Heap a few years ago. He missed 10 games and we were all thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, this injury just takes a long, long time to heal properly.

Let me just say this. It's' one thing to block and chip on the line and it's another to be able to run go routes or get off the LOS and run in a straight line. I'm not willing to say that Evans wasn't able to give us SOMETHING over this period of time. That was also a 5-11 team.

Also if you go look, Heap played or at least tried to play in games in September and October (though if he played in October he didn't produce anything) and November. And Heap came back to play on 11-11 and had 4 catches and 38 yards. That's 2 more catches than Lee Evans has this year. We lost the next 6 games. And Heap didnt' come back for the remainder of the year.

It's one thing to be 4-4 and come back and play clearly hurt. And then go down as your team runs out a 7 game losing streak. It's another to watch a wretched passing attack in the Jacksonville/Jets games and not want to get onto the field to help this team win.

Also for all that love Evans got for "drawing the Steelers attention in Week 1" we sure did OK in Pitt this week.

[Flacco Machado]

IMO, there is more going on here than a high ankle sprain. The Ravens are very much like the Patriots when it comes to information about player injuries. For whatever reason, the Ravens think this is pretty serious. I don't think Evans is in Harbaugh's doghouse or it is a lack of desire on his part to get on the field. I just think the man is flat-out hurt and in pain. Torn ligaments? Who knows? If Torrey Smith was really doing a bad job, this would be a bigger issue. But, everything happens for a reason. I agree with others though. If Evans can come back in any form or fashion down the stretch, it will be huge for this football team.

[The Rick]

You are not kidding. With the addition of Rice, Flacco, Dickson, Pitta, Smith and even Williams to some extent, the Ravens have a done a much better job of drafting skill offensive players over the last 4-5 years compared to the previous failures (Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton, etc). Was there any major change in their scouting department or one guy who has made a difference?

Yes, IMO - Joe Flacco.

[Sports Guy]

I'll leave it at this, if Evans could run these routes effectively, Stevie Johnson wouldn't have eaten into his snaps. Buffalo wouldn't have traded him for a 4th round pick and he'd more than 1 season of more than 65 catches in a year. I don't think Buffalo is the perfectly run organization, but if Evans was good enough to be the receiver people wanted him to be when we traded for him you'd think his last good year had come before 2008. The guy is a 30 year old receiver who's best asset was his speed and as he's aged, it's started to decline IMO. It's hurt his ability as a receiver.

No more excuses for Lee Evans, the dude needs to get out on the field and play, or this trade needs to be labeled a bust. You are what you are. Todd Heap was a gritty tough guy who could do a lot of things for this team. I'm gladly take him back to be our slot/hback/TE guy over having Lee Evans here any day of the week.Stevie Johnson is turning into an excellent WR..No idea why you even mention him.

Its pretty obvious why the Bills dealt Evans..People didn't want to believe them then but they felt they had a good corp of young WRs and wanted them to get playing time and didn't want Evans stunting their growth in what they felt was a rebuilding year...That makes sense.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Aren't ankle sprains some of the toughest injuries for football players to come back from? Especially players like Lee Evans that rely on their speed to be effective?

[flashjordnk]

Stevie Johnson is turning into an excellent WR..No idea why you even mention him.

Its pretty obvious why the Bills dealt Evans..People didn't want to believe them then but they felt they had a good corp of young WRs and wanted them to get playing time and didn't want Evans stunting their growth in what they felt was a rebuilding year...That makes sense.

Argh read the argument. I bring up Stevie Johnson to say that if Evans was a more well rounded receiver Johnson wouldn't have surpassed him on the depth chart so quickly.

[JohnnyK27]

You're not the only one with that question.

Should be back for the 49ers game in a limited role.

Actually A Wilson said he's getting close today on the radio...He said this may or may not be the week but that he's getting close. He also said that Grubbs had not setback with huis toe!

[The Rick]

Actually A Wilson said he's getting close today on the radio...He said this may or may not be the week but that he's getting close. He also said that Grubbs had not setback with huis toe!

Did he comment on Ngata?

[Sports Guy]

Argh read the argument. I bring up Stevie Johnson to say that if Evans was a more well rounded receiver Johnson wouldn't have surpassed him on the depth chart so quickly.Why not? What if Johnson was just better? Why does that matter at all?

[Bosibus]

Did he comment on Ngata?

Heard on the radio that Ngata's injury is not significant and does not plan to miss any time.

[JohnnyK27]

Did he comment on Ngata?

Nothing Serious

[Aglets]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-injury-update-lee-evans-practices1109,0,7016590.story?track=rss

Evans practiced today. Article says he has his sights set on trying to play in Seattle.

[ScottieBaseball]

I'm not underrating Smith ....What I will say is that they showed him running his route on the drop. During that play he seemed to have quit on the play. Had he kept running he would have caught the ball easily.

Did you hear Smith's explanation on that play? He said he saw that Flacco was starting to scramble (true) and he slowed up because of that. I'm assuming it was either with the intent to break off his route to come back to the QB for a pass or to drop back and start stalk blocking. This is a prime example of a rookie's inexperience costing him a play. I won't even call it a "rookie mistake" because had Joe continued scrambling it was the RIGHT thing to do, but both professional experience and especially experience with his QB, situations like this should become fewer and further between.

[mskrulz]

Did you hear Smith's explanation on that play? He said he saw that Flacco was starting to scramble (true) and he slowed up because of that. I'm assuming it was either with the intent to break off his route to come back to the QB for a pass or to drop back and start stalk blocking. This is a prime example of a rookie's inexperience costing him a play. I won't even call it a "rookie mistake" because had Joe continued scrambling it was the RIGHT thing to do, but both professional experience and especially experience with his QB, situations like this should become fewer and further between.

I agree. I heard the same thing. That was a great interview that he had. It's nice having some youthful exuberance on the team.

[ccbird]

Very interesting to see how the Ravens work Evans back into the lineup. There is no way he is taking SMith's starting spot at this point. I guess we'll see him work the 3 Wr sets on the outside with Torrey and Q in the post. Still, think we will go a decent amount with the two TE sets too which will keep his snaps limited.

[primetime]

Very interesting to see how the Ravens work Evans back into the lineup. There is no way he is taking SMith's starting spot at this point. I guess we'll see him work the 3 Wr sets on the outside with Torrey and Q in the post. Still, think we will go a decent amount with the two TE sets too which will keep his snaps limited.

I wouldn't mind seeing Evans and Smith on the outside and Q in the slot. When we moved him inside for the GW drive, he completely destroyed William Gay. Let's face it, Q is more well suited for the slot than the outside and most #1 CBs don't like doing the physical dirty work it takes to play inside. It may be very ideal.

[Flacco Machado]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-injury-update-lee-evans-practices1109,0,7016590.story?track=rss

Evans practiced today. Article says he has his sights set on trying to play in Seattle.

Stating the obvious, but this is really good news.

[Stevo5278]

Evans is officially listed as "doubtful" for the game.

[Sports Guy]

Evans is officially listed as "doubtful" for the game.You really can't play him tomorrow.

Looks like it is going to be cold and rainy...Not the ideal conditions to bring him back.

[Hooded Viper]

I am fine with him not playing tomorrow. He is back to practising again so let him get a couple of weeks of practise in and then get into the Cinci game. I also would ease him into that game, still allowing Torrey Smith to start. My fear is he trys to do too much and reinjures himself. His addition to Smith, Q, Pitta, Dickson and Rice would be pretty damn formiddable. So ease him back and get him ready for the stretch run.

[Sports Guy]

I am fine with him not playing tomorrow. He is back to practising again so let him get a couple of weeks of practise in and then get into the Cinci game. I also would ease him into that game, still allowing Torrey Smith to start. My fear is he trys to do too much and reinjures himself. His addition to Smith, Q, Pitta, Dickson and Rice would be pretty damn formiddable. So ease him back and get him ready for the stretch run.Well, you can ease him back into the Cinci and SF games(quick turnaround)...and then you have the mini bye week and by the Cle game, he should be good to go.

[Hooded Viper]

Well, you can ease him back into the Cinci and SF games(quick turnaround)...and then you have the mini bye week and by the Cle game, he should be good to go.

Agreed and honestly it is scary awesome how much talent we have on the offensive side of the ball now, compared to the earlier in the decade. This has become as well balanced a team as there is in the NFL. Again, kudos to the front office.