B.J.

Sams

The rookie free agent is the new Dante Hall, and can help Baltimore in the running game too.

Sams has fumbled five times, losing two. He’s also broken a number of big plays and was the AFC special teams player of the month in October.

''We will gather more information and we may have more to say after we talk to B.J.,’' team spokesman Kevin Byrne said.

Figurs, a Kansas State alum, was the nation’s best special teams gunner in 2006 and also averaged over 14 yards-per-punt return, better than Ted Ginn. He’s limited as a receiver, but likely to unseat B.J. Sams for a roster spot.

The Ravens used starting safety Ed Reed on punt returns in his absence, and the Pro Bowler returned one 63 yards for a score. If Sams misses next week’s game, rookie return specialist Yamon Figurs will likely get the nod.

Sams will be replaced on kickoffs by rookie Yamon Figurs - it shouldn’t be a huge loss. On punts, either Figurs or Ed Reed will take over. Sams was a revelation as a rookie, but this is the second straight year that has ended in a trip to the IR.

Baltimore drafted a viable and explosive replacement in Yamon Figurs, so Sams probably won’t be re-signed when he becomes a free agent in March.

Green is competing to start but will likely end up behind rookie Le’Ron McClain by Week 1. Sams appears likely to lose his duties to Yamon Figurs, who can actually play a position. Cody returns as a situational pass rusher.

Sams is in the final year of his contract and recovering from a broken ankle. Figurs will take all his duties in 2008, but it appears he can make the team with a strong camp.

Running back John David Washington, the son of Denzel Washington, was also among the 31 names that the Redwoods will bring to camp. Sams’ explosiveness was sapped by a torn ACL in 2007. We probably won’t see him again up here.