On Wednesday, the Baltimore Ravens made a change on the practice squad roster. This bye week move comes in light of the Ravens’ recent efforts to remedy the ailing rushing attack. Baltimore’s ground game has been unable to adequately contribute to the offense as a whole. The Ravens have a history of building offensives off of a foundation created by a strong running game. The lack of a rushing engine has given the offense great trouble, especially in the realm of sustaining drives and reducing pressure on Joe Flacco. To give new life to the running game, the Ravens added running back Ty Montgomery via a trade with the Green Bay Packers and now have added Tyler Ervin to the practice squad. To make room, Baltimore cut defensive back Makinton Dorelant from the practice team.

Ervin, the former San Jose State Spartan, was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2014 draft.  Since being drafted by the Texans, Ervin has spent three years in Houston. Ervin did not have a very big role on Houston’s offense. In those three years, Ervin only rushed the ball five times, generating 15 yards. He also caught just 14 passes for 91 yards. What Ervin did have, however, was the experience of being a punt and kick return specialist for the Texans.

During his tenure in Houston, Ervin returned 29 kickoffs and 56 punts. He averaged 21 and 8.8 yards respectively. The Texans waived Ervin earlier this month, and the 25-year-old passed through waivers unclaimed. The Ravens hope that Ervin can develop in Baltimore, and potentially become an option not only as a return specialist but as a running back as well. It’s unlikely that Ervin will do much of note during his time in Baltimore, but who knows? The Ravens have a history of picking Houston Texan return specialists and finding great success in them. Anyone remember the last guy who fit that mold?

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