On Sunday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated that receiver Deonte Thompson, dealing with a sprained foot, would be evaluated in a week.
You can deduce from there that it's not probable that Thompson plays this Thursday against Carolina. Thompson was a rising star this preseason that was opening practice with the first team in two-receiver sets.
But after injuring his foot in the third quarter of the preseason opener against Tampa Bay, he's been relegated to the sideline. Based on his potential and speed, the Ravens aren't cutting him. But his development and chemistry within the offense has been affected.
As a result, the Ravens went out and signed veteran Brandon Stokley. Tandon Doss won't feel the additional competition from Thompson during the most important preseason game this Thursday. Tight end Dallas Clark, signed a day after Stokley was, is yet another target over the middle of the field.
Timing is everything in the NFL and Thompson's sprained foot came at one of the worst possible times. Hoping to earn more playing time, he may open the season, if his foot allows it, at the fourth or fifth receiver spot.
Instead of pushing for a top three position, this injury might have allowed others to jump Thompson.
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