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As the preseason wears on, its become clear the Ravens aren’t writing the third running back on the roster in ink just yet. Many assumed Kenneth Dixon would be a shoe-in, but after suffering more preseason nicks and bumps he’s no longer looking like the man on the inside. Meanwhile, undrafted free agent running back Gus Edwards Jr. is stealing the preseason show.
In the Hall of Fame Game, it’s not surprising to see second- and third-string players on the field for the majority of the exhibition, but Edwards took over after Mark Thompson allowed a sack and fumbled the football.
Hall of Fame Game comparison
Player | Snaps | Rush | Yards | Average | Longest rush | Fumble | Catches | Rec. Yards |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Snaps | Rush | Yards | Average | Longest rush | Fumble | Catches | Rec. Yards |
Gus Edwards Jr | 40 | 10 | 35 | 3.5 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 23 |
Mark Thompson | 24 | 5 | 9 | 1.8 | 4 | 1 | 2 | -4 |
De'Lance Turner | 9 | 3 | 14 | 4.7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
I included De’Lance Turner also, because unlike Dixon, he was on the field.
In the second preseason game, it was much of the same. Edwards lead the team in rushing for the second-straight contest and also received the most snaps of any rusher.
Rams preseason comparison
Player | Snaps | Rush | Yards | Average | Longest rush |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Snaps | Rush | Yards | Average | Longest rush |
Gus Edwards Jr | 32 | 12 | 58 | 4.8 | 25 |
Mark Thompson | 22 | 6 | 14 | 2.3 | 9 |
De'Lance Turner | 9 | 4 | 17 | 4.3 | 5 |
Also, Dixon did not play for a second-straight game.
It’s evident the Ravens like Gus. He’s played the most snaps of rusher on offense and is only slightly behind the other UDFA running backs on special teams.
Special Teams snaps
Player | HOFG | Week 1 |
---|---|---|
Player | HOFG | Week 1 |
Gus Edwards Jr | 8 (31%) | 11 (33%) |
Mark Thompson | 11 (42%) | 10 (30%) |
De'Lance Turner | 11 (42%) | 10 (30%) |
If Edwards gets the bulk of carries for the third-straight preseason game, I’m going to call it a wrap. No chance they give a player like Edwards this many snaps for no reason. Dixon’s been injured far too often for his job to be secure here with the Ravens.