Lorenzo

Taliaferro

“Lorenzo was a kind, smart and respectful young man — someone always committed to his teammates and well-liked by everyone in our organization,” coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. The Associated Press did not disclose the cause of death. A 2014 fourth-rounder, Taliaferro also dabbled at fullback, but injuries cut his career short after a 13-appearance rookie season. His last NFL appearance came in 2016.

Hensley notes that Taliaferro worked behind Terrance West all spring. Justin Forsett, Buck Allen, and rookie Kenneth Dixon are considered roster locks, with Taliaferro battling West and Trent Richardson for the final tailback spot. T-Rich recently underwent knee surgery and is probably out of the mix.

Justin Forsett, Buck Allen and rookie Kenneth Dixon are viewed as roster locks, leaving the other three to compete for one spot. A 2014 fourth-round pick, Taliaferro should be the favorite provided he can stay healthy, but that has proven difficult thus far in his career. CSN Mid-Atlantic speculated Taliaferro’s roster spot is “under pressure.”

Taliaferro didn’t practice at all in training camp. The Ravens appear likely to keep four backs on their 53-man roster: Justin Forsett, Terrance West, Buck Allen, and Kenneth Dixon (MCL). Taliaferro could return in Week 7.

Taliaferro dealt with a foot injury during the offseason, but he was expected to be ready for camp. The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reports the foot did not respond to treatment as well as the training staff hoped. A fixture on the injury report through two years, Taliaferro is not a lock for the final roster.

Normally a missed practice this early in camp would not be newsworthy, but Taliaferro spent way too much time on the training table during his first two years in the league. Fighting for a roster spot in a loaded backfield, he cannot afford to miss any more time. Taliaferro will need to beat out Terrance West to keep his job.

It’s his first practice in a little over a calendar year after undergoing foot surgery. A forgotten man in Baltimore, he’ll be no more than the No. 3 back when/if he’s activated off reserve/PUP in the next three weeks.

Taliaferro is eligible to come off the PUP list this week after missing the Ravens’ first six games with a foot injury. When healthy, Taliaferro will compete with Kenneth Dixon for backup carries behind starter Terrance West.

He out-touched Kenneth Dixon 4 to 2 in this one. Taliaferro was active over Buck Allen and now appears to be even with Dixon on the depth chart behind Terrance West. West remains the Ravens’ clear-cut feature back.

Taliaferro is expected to play Sunday, which could relegate Buck Allen back to the inactive list. Either way, Terrance West has established himself as the clear starter in Baltimore. Taliaferro is not worth adding in any format.