Charles

Ali

Ali, 25, gives Arizona depth at lead blocker with Reagan Maui’a nursing an undisclosed injury. Neither player is a great bet to make the roster.

Ali is simply a blocker. The Browns also waived DB Brandon Anderson, QB Richard Bartel, DB Tra Battle, OL Branndon Braxton, LB Titus Brown, OL Dustin Fry, DL Adam Hoppel, WR Paul Hubbard, RB Chris Jennings, WR Lance Leggett, OL Pat Murray, WR Jordan Norwood, OL Kurt Quarterman, DE Brian Schaefering, G Isaac Sowells and DE Santonio Thomas.

Baxter spent 2007 rehabbing from two torn patellar tendons, and had his knee scoped in November. Ali was undrafted out of college last year, but contributed on special teams for the Browns. Both deals are likely for the minimum.

Ali, a pure blocker and special teamer, might net Cleveland a seventh-round pick. He appeared in 13 games as a rookie in 2007 and received no touches.

The Ravens now have another option as a lead-blocker. With Willis McGahee struggling in short-yardage, Le’Ron McClain could be ready to take over goal-line duties for the rest of the season.

With Mark Clayton out, Ali’s roster spot was needed for WR Justin Harper. He could end up back on the team next week.

Drifting around the league on several practice squads, Hannon tried out for the Ravens last July before the team eventually signed Drew Bennett. Ali was signed by Baltimore in late November and spent a few weeks on the roster before being waived.

Signed in January to be a practice body behind Pro Bowler Le’Ron McClain, Ali became expendable when the Ravens converted Edgar Jones to fullback.