Patrick

Ricard

Dobbins can be removed from the PUP list at any time. It’s not clear what Dobbins is dealing with, though it wouldn’t be a surprise for subsequent reports to say he is still working through the knee issues that have plagued him over the past two years. The Ravens also signed Melvin Gordon earlier today, so it’s clear they are prepared to be without Dobbins for at least the start of training camp. Baltimore also placed FB Patrick Ricard, WR Mike Thomas, CB Pepe Williams, and DT Rayshad Nichols on the PUP list. Linebacker Tyus Bowser was placed on the NFI list.

The full details of the contract are unknown, but Ricard is expected to be the second-highest-paid fullback in the league behind Kyle Juszczyk. Ricard was generating some buzz from other teams as a potential “hybrid tight end,” the belief being that he could operate as more of a pass-catcher than he has with the Ravens. Now back in Baltimore, however, he will resume his old school fullback duties, helping to facilitate the Ravens downhill rushing attack. With Ricard re-signed and J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards returning from injury, the Ravens rushing attack should get back in gear in 2022. That will likely mean fewer passing attempts, but it could lead to a more efficient season from Lamar Jackon, who will be plenty involved as a rusher himself.

Fowler suggested a new team could lure Ricard -- a free agent -- with a bigger pass-catching role than he had in Baltimore over the past five years. A stellar run blocker and a key to the Ravens’ dominant rushing attack in recent seasons, Ricard, 27, has just 25 receptions over the past three years. He could be worth monitoring for fantasy purposes if Ricard lands with a team willing to use him as a tight end in 2022.

Ricard missed Weeks 14-16 before returning for Week 17, where he evidently tweaked something. Although he has touched the ball only 10 times this season, he was named to his third straight Pro Bowl. Ricard was playing more snaps than ever before going down, clearing 500. Four months shy of his 28th birthday, Ricard will be a free agent in March. He will likely be more valuable to the Ravens than any other team.

Ricard is a significant loss for Baltimore’s rushing attack. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec said the Ravens could resort to heavier offensive sets with Ricard out. TE Josh Oliver could see a bump in playing time. Meanwhile, Baltimore heads into Week 14 with a depleted secondary, making the Browns pass catchers slightly more palatable for desperate fantasy managers.

Ricard is a two-way player, which is extraordinarily rare for this era, or really any era since the ‘50s or ‘60s. The Ravens’ lead-blocker fullback, Ricard has also played 135 snaps at defensive tackle. He is listed as a mammoth 6-foot-3, 303 pounds. Ricard has graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 fullback this season, though only three players, Ricard included, have logged more than 200 snaps at the position.