Mike

Davis

In a social media post, Davis writes, “As I turn 31 today, I sit back and look on my NFL career and how thankful I am to be apart of a brotherhood. This game has allowed me to make a lot of friends and memories. I’m grateful for every organization in NFL. With that being said I’m retiring!” Davis was a part of six different teams over eight seasons and last played with the Ravens in 2022. At the peak of his powers, Davis was a serviceable early-down grinder who also possessed pass-catching upside. During his 2020 season with the Panthers, Davis totaled a career-high 1,015 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. Davis was not on an NFL roster in 2023.

The move clears a spot for J.K. Dobbins (knee) to return from IR. Even with multiple injuries at running back, Davis hasn’t seen a carry since Week 5 and was buried on the depth chart in Baltimore. The 29-year-old veteran will head to free agency if he clears waivers.

Edwards will make his season debut following a summer 2021 ACL injury. He’ll join a backfield without J.K. Dobbins (knee surgery) that could be led by Kenyan Drake in Week 7 against Cleveland. Expect Edwards to be worked into the Baltimore offense slowly. He should be picked up in most 12-team leagues.

J.K. Dobbins made his long-awaited return in this one, leaving little work for Davis, who worked behind both Dobbins and Justice Hill on the afternoon. Those stubbornly holding on to Davis through the first two weeks can officially drop him after this week. On the season, he’s managed just 15 yards on seven carries.

Davis was his usual inefficient self against the Dolphins, getting stuffed twice at the goal line in a catastrophic series for the Ravens that ended up with no points. There’s no earthly reason Davis should see touches over Kenyan Drake or Justice Hill. He shouldn’t be rostered in fantasy leagues.

Ravens also declared LT Ronnie Stanley, WR James Proche, TE Nick Boyle, DT Travis Jones, and CB Brandon Stephens inactive for Week 2. The team’s banged-up secondary will get Marcus Peters back after the cornerback missed the entire 2021 season with a knee injury. The Ravens will also have Marlon Humphrey, who missed practice all week with a groin issue. With Dobbins once again sidelined, Kenyan Drake should function as Baltimore’s No. 1 running back, though his ceiling is likely nonexistent in a Ravens offense that was pass heavy in Week 1. Drake is a decent RB3 against Miami.

Dobbins is still recovering from the torn ACL and other knee damage that he suffered during training camp last year. Schefter noted the Ravens are exercising caution by sitting Dobbins, which makes it sound like he will be back soon. With Dobbins sidelined in Week 1, Kenyan Drake handled most of Baltimore’s backfield work. He saw 11 carries but only went for 31 yards. The role is strong enough to make him a usable RB3 in a pinch.

Davis, one of the least efficient runners of 2021, played well behind the newly acquired Kenyan Drake in Week 1. It’s clear Davis will be third in the backfield pecking order when J.K. Dobbins (ACL) returns to the lineup. Davis should remain on the waiver wire for now.

Drake was Baltimore’s clearcut No. 1 back with J.K. Dobbins (ACL) sidelined. While he wasn’t particularly effective against the Jets, he was far superior to backfield mate Mike Davis, who totaled 11 yards on two carries. Drake isn’t a compelling fantasy option because of Lamar Jackson’s reluctance to check down to his backs. He should still see a solid workload for as long as Dobbins is out.

Dobbins will reportedly be able to play “soon” after an offseason in which he seemed determined to make a Week 1 comeback after a 2021 ACL injury. Mike Davis and Kenyan Drake will likely split touches in the Ravens backfield in a good matchup against New York. Baltimore enters 2022 without Peters after seeing their secondary ravaged by injuries throughout the 2021 regular season. Peters’ absence could make things slightly rosier for Joe Flacco and his pass catchers against the Ravens.