Ravens RB Taquan Mizzell claimed off waiver by Chicago Bears

One of the more surprising players for the Baltimore Ravens this training camp and preseason was Taquan Mizzell (Smoke). Baltimore had a loaded backfield at the beginning of camp, but a season-ending knee injury to Kenneth Dixon opened the door for someone like Mizzell and Javorius Allen to emerge and claim the spot. An injury to Danny Woodhead that caused him to miss most of the preseason open another door for Smoke.

Mizzell showed his speed and quickness both as a runner and a receiver throughout the preseason and became a player that was almost too tempting not to keep on the active 53-man roster. Mizzell's performance was impressive to the point that fans wanted the Ravens to keep him over the veteran Woodhead. The Ravens made the tough decision and cut Mizzell. The hope was that they could stash him on the practice squad. That didn't happen Sunday, as he was claimed by the Chicago Bears.

Mizzell displayed his talents this preseason, and Baltimore would've really like to keep him with his speed and versatility. Maybe Smoke will get a shot with the Bears at some point this season.