Raven Country

Ravens Rival Browns QB Deshaun Watson Could Begin Throwing on Tuesday - AFC North Tracker

Keep up to date with all the latest BREAKING news around the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens division Tracker.

Timm Hamm

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MARCH 19 WATSON TO BEGIN THROWING? Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's injury recovery takes another step forward as he's reportedly expected to begin throwing as early as Tuesday.

Watson has been rehabbing since undergoing shoulder surgery in November for a displaced fracture in his right shoulder socket.

The Browns have signed insurance in Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley to back up Watson alongside Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was on the roster with Watson last season and was also injured.

Watson should be ready for training camp.

MARCH 16 FIELDS JOINS AFC EAST The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an eventful two days in the quarterbacks room. After trading away Kenny Pickett on Friday, they pull off the trade that everyone has been waiting for from the Chicago Bears.

Per multiple reports, the Bears are sending quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers for no more than a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which can become a fourth-round pick if Fields plays at least 51 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps in 2024. 

Chicago owns the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft and are expected to select USC signal caller Caleb Williams. The NFL world has been waiting for Chicago to trade Fields to a potential suitor, but the asking price from the Bears was rumored to be multiple No. 1 picks, as they got last offseason for the No. 1 pick.

The Steelers now have Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the quarterbacks room. 

MARCH 15 STEELERS TRADE PICKETT The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles per reports on Friday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Pittsburgh will receive a third-round pick, No. 98, and two 2025 seventh-round picks. In addition to the quarterback, Philadelphia will receive a fourth-round pick, No. 120, to complete the deal. 

Pickett was taken by the Steelers as the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and started 24 games for Pittsburgh in the last two seasons. Pickett's record of 14-10 wasn't good enough as his inconsistent play and injuries hampered his hometown Steelers.

The Pitt Panther led six fourth-quarter comebacks with seven game-winning drives, but is overall play was not impressive. When Pickett went down with an ankle injury last season, Mason Rudolph stepped in to start, and remained the starter even after Pickett was healthy.

The signing of Russell Wilson this week made both Rudolph and Pickett expendable, and both are now with other teams after Rudolph was traded to Tennessee this week.

MARCH 14 FLACCO TO INDY Former Ravens, Jets and Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has inked a deal with the Indianapolis Colts per a report from Adam Schefter.

The 2023 Comeback Player of the Year signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million with $4.5 million guaranteed per the report. 

Flacco is expected to back up starter Anthony Richardson who is coming off a season-ending injury from last season.

joe flacco anthony richardson
FanStreamSports.com

MARCH 13 WINSTON TO CLEVELAND Former Saints and Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston has agreed to join the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $4 million deal. 

The former No. 1 overall pick in 2015 joins his third team after five seasons as the starter in Tampa Bay and four as a backup in New Orleans.

In 2019, Winston threw for 5,109 yards, joining just six other quarterbacks in NFL history to do so. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Ben Roethlisberger and Dan Marino are the others.

Ex-Raven Joe Flacco joined the Browns last season as an injury replacement after Deshaun Watson and Dorion Thompson-Robinson went down, and led Cleveland on a short playoff run.

Flacco expressed a desire to return to Cleveland in 2024 but the team remained non-committal to the former Delaware signal caller.

MARCH 10 WILSON SIGNING WITH PITTSBURGH Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been told by his team that he is out the door. Many teams in need of a franchise signal-caller are showing interest, and that includes the Baltimore Ravens' AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wilson met with the Steelers on Friday and per Josina Anderson, the visit went "great" and he reportedly spoke with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for hours.

On Sunday night, per Adam Schefter, the two sides agreed to terms for a one-year deal that's team-friendly. The Broncos will reportedly pay $38 million of his salary.

Wilson joins an AFC North division that already includes elite quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson.

MARCH 8 BENGALS TAG TEE The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on wideout Tee Higgins, extending the time the team can negotiate a long-term deal with the Clemson product.

If they can't reach an agreement, Higgins will play next season on the tag for a guaranteed $21.8 million.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told Bengals Wire, "We want him on the roster. As soon as we got the salary cap numbers, there was no point lingering on this."

Head coach Zac Taylor said the team wasn't going to let Higgins get away.

"He's one of the top receivers in this league, and we don't want that just walking out of the building. So when you've got an opportunity to put a tag on him and keep him in the building and let him play at least another season for us, I think that's critical," Taylor said.

MARCH 2 XAVIER WORTHY IMPRESSES DECOSTA Texas Longhorns wideout Xavier Worthy set a new 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine on Saturday, and Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was on hand to witness it live.

He was clearly impressed by the speed of Worthy, as evidenced by his real-time reaction. 

Worthy was clocked with the lighting-fast time of 4.21 seconds on his second try, passing John Ross III's record by .01 seconds. The Longhorns receiver reached 24.21 miles per hour according to Next Gen Stats.

FEB 27 NFL TRADE DEADLINE COULD MOVE In 2023, the NFL trade deadline came after Week 8, and some teams would like it adjusted.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry appeared on PFT and said he and other teams have proposed pushing the deadline back two weeks for 2024, to after Week 10 of the regular season.

The extra time could give teams more time to decide if they should be buyers or sellers, and put the NFL deadline more in line with other leagues on the schedule.

Any change requires the approval of 24 of the 32 teams at the league meetings in March.

FEB 26 HIGGINS TAGGED BY BENGALS The NFL free agent wide receiver pool is less crowded as of Monday morning as the Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed the franchise tag on wideout Tee Higgins.

That's one less open market target for teams like the Ravens, who will most likely be active in their search for a wideout this offseason.

That still leaves big names like Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley, as well as Baltimore incumbent Odell Beckham Jr. who are all set to become free agents when the new league starts on March 13.

The Ravens could also address the need in April's NFL Draft.

FEB 24 SHERMAN ARRESTED Former NFL cornerback and current analyst Richard Sherman has reportedly been arrested for DUI per Fox 13 in Seattle.

Washington State Patrol confirmed to Fox 13 that the ex-NFLer was arrested early Saturday morning, and the King County Jail roster indicates Sherman was booked at 4:51 a.m.

Sherman has served as an analyst on Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football for the past two seasons and joined FS1's Undisputed last year.

Sherman spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an 11-year career.

FEB 22 AMAZON NFL DEAL WORTH $150M CNBC reports that Amazon has agreed to pay the NFL $150 million for the rights to stream a Wild Card game during the opening weekend of the 2024 playoffs.

That news comes on the heels of Peacock paying $110 million to broadcast the Chiefs-Dolphins Wild Card game last season, bringing in a record number of streamers.

The Saturday night contest brought in an average of 23 million viewers and 16.3 million devices streaming at once, doubling the record for a single day in the history of Peacock.

Amazon currently pays an average of $58.8 million per game to stream Thursday Night Football.

FEB 17 LEFTY DRIESELL PASSES AWAY Former Maryland Terrapins men's basketball coach Lefty Driesell passed away his family announced on Saturday. He was 92.

Maryland announced they would honor Driesell with a moment of silence before their Saturday matchup with No. 14 Illinois. They'll also break out 1970s throwback uniforms previously worn on Jan. 21 when the Terrapins honored Driesell.

Driesell coached Maryland from 1969-1986 and ushered the Terrapins into national prominence until the death of All-American Len Bias

FEB 8 FLACCO WINS CPoY Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has won Comeback Player of the Year at the NFL Honors Awards ceremony Thursday night.

In late November, Flacco was signed to the Browns' practice squad, following a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. He was then named the starter for Week 13 against the Rams after Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a concussion.

Flacco started five games for the Browns and went 4-1 as a starter before the playoffs. He completed 123 of 204 passes for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 60.3 percent of his passes.

Leading the Browns to the postseason, Cleveland matched up with the resurgent Texans in the Wild Card round and lost 45-14.

Flacco completed 34 of 46 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his first postseason game since 2015.

JAN 10 MACDONALD TO TENNESSEE? After the firing of Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, the Titans have requested permission from the Ravens to interview defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for the vacancy.

Macdonald is in his second season as the Baltimore defensive coordinator after arriving from Michigan where he served in the same capacity under Ravens coach John Harbaugh's brother, Jim.

JAN 8 WASHINGTON WANTS WEAVER The Washington Commanders need a new coach after firing Ron Rivera, and they are looking locally at potential replacements.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Commanders have requested an interview for Baltimore Ravens defensive assistant Anthony Weaver.

Weaver, 43, was a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2002 and played four seasons in Baltimore. He returned to the team to coach the defensive line in 2021 and has been on John Harbaugh's staff for three seasons. In 2022, he was promoted to assistant head coach.

JAN 5 IRVIN RIPS COOK'S BALTIMORE RECIPE The Playmaker isn't a fan of contemporary's recent audible.

Former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin, perhaps sour over rejection, used Friday's episode of Fox Sports' "Undisputed" to tear Dalvin Cook's decision to sign with the Baltimore Ravens over his former employers. Multiple reports linked both the Ravens and Cowboys to the four-time Pro Bowler's services but he made his move to Charm City official on Friday. That didn't sit well with Irvin, who felt that Cook would've been able to make a more noticeable impact on Dallas' fortunes.

“I think it’s a poor decision on Dalvin Cook’s part,” Irvin said. “Why and how are you going to prove your worth when (Baltimore is) already where they are (as a rushing offense)? How can you tell these other teams that you (create) an impact?”

To Irvin's point, Cook may be looking to impress in a relatively short period considering the the dwindling market for seasoned running backs, no matter how impressive their resumes may be. Whereas Cook is set to join a Baltimore rushing attack that has gotten over the losses of JK Dobbinson and Keaton Mitchell with a steady attack of Gus Edwards and Justice Hill (not to mention the dual-threat talents of Lamar Jackson), Dallas is ailing in the run game: incumbent leading rusher Tony Pollard has struggled in his first days as the undisputed top backfield option and backups Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaught are both nursing injuries.

DEC 19 RAVENS ADD FORMER TERP TO PRACTICE SQUAD Per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the Baltimore Ravens are bringing a former Maryland Terrapin back to the Chesapeake, as running back Jake Funk will be added to the team's practice squad. Combined with the return of Melvin Gordon to the active roster, Baltimore (11-3) continues to adjust its rushing attack in the wake of Keaton Mitchell's season-ending injury.

Funk racked up 2,070 yards from scrimmage over four years with the Terps and was later chosen in the seventh round of the 2021 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. As a rookie, the Gaithersburg native appeared in 10 games during Los Angeles' run to Super Bowl LVI, primarily partaking on special teams. Funk previously played four games with the Indianapolis Colts this season.

DEC 16 BENGALS WIN THRILLER OVER VIKINGS, KEEP PRESSURE ON RAVENS The first of three NFL games on Sunday, as the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 in an overtime thriller.

Cincinnati, once left for dead after Joe Burrow went down for the season, has now won three straight games thanks to the steady hand of backup quarterback Jake Browning.

With their hot streak, the Bengals are keeping pace in the very crowded AFC playoff picture. Saturday's win propels them up to the No. 6 seed with an 8-6 record, at least for the time being. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos, who also entered the day at 7-6, play later, with the former two facing each other. The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills, who also have the same record, play on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Bengals also keep the pressure on the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens, who hold the conference's top seed at 10-3. The Ravens are two games ahead of the Cleveland Browns for the division lead, but with all four teams still alive for the division title, Baltimore can't afford to get complacent.

No matter what happens, it's sure to be a thrilling end to the season.

DEC 15 STALEY OUT, RAVENS COORDINATOR A POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT? On the heels of a 63-21 thrashing by the Raiders on Thursday Night Football, the Chargers have fired their coach, Brandon Staley, and general manager Tom Telesco.

Staley went 24-24 in parts of three seasons with the Chargers. He previously served as an outside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears (2017-18) and Denver Broncos (2019) before becoming the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams (2020).

With the vacancy, as with most NFL teams searching for new a coach, the Chargers could be looking for successful coordinators from other organizations. That should include both Ravens coordinators.

Baltimore's offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, 57, is in his first season with the team and has turned around an offense that struggled the past couple of seasons. Monken has pro experience elsewhere as the Jaguars wide receivers coach from 2007-2010, the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator from 2016-2018, and the Browns' offensive coordinator in 2019.

The Ravens' defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, heads one of the best defenses in the league but has no other pro experience with any other team. Macdonald is on the young side at 36, but will no doubt get a shot at some point. 

Macdonald's entire pro coaching career has been with the Ravens except for the 2021 season when he spent the year as Michigan's defensive coordinator before returning to Baltimore in the same capacity in 2022.

DEC 13 WALLACE WINS AFC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK Baltimore Ravens return specialist Tylan Wallace is taking home some hardware.

On Wednesday, Wallace was announced as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning the game-winning punt for a touchdown in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Wallace was replacing the injured Devin Duvernay, who left the game with a back injury. Duvernay was placed on injured reserve, meaning Wallace will have to step into the role further on Sunday when the Ravens visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday Night Football.

DEC 12 RAVENS CONTROL DESTINY FOR NO. 1 The Baltimore Ravens are in full control of their postseason destiny after Monday night's Week 14 closer. 

With the Miami Dolphins' improbable 28-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday, Baltimore (10-3) is in full control of its postseason fate and holds the inside track for the top overall seed and the first-round bye that comes with it. They currently lead the Dolphins (9-4) by one full game and are up by two on fellow division leaders Kansas City (8-5) and Jacksonville (8-5) after their respective losses to Buffalo and Cleveland. Baltimore will earn the top seed by winning each of its final four games and currently has Miami beat on the strength of victory tiebreaker if it were to come into play. 

The road to the top seed won't be easy: Baltimore is set to face the AFC South leader Jacksonville on Sunday night (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) before a Christmas Day showdown with the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens and Dolphins are also poised to do battle on New Year's Eve, shortly after Miami faces the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys.

DEC 10 WALLACE WINS FOR RAVENS The Baltimore Ravens are winners today by a score of 37-31 after an overtime punt return from Tylan Wallace, who filled in for the injured Devin Duvernay.

DEC 9 NFL CLEARS BENGALS OF WRONGDOING ON BURROW INJURY REPORT Per a report from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the NFL has determined that the Cincinnati Bengals were in full compliance with injury report procedures when it came to quarterback Joe Burrow's status for the Nov. 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Burrow, the Bengals' franchise thrower, suffered a season-ending wrist injury in the 34-20 loss in Baltimore. He did not appear on the pregame injury report but video later emerged of Burrow wearing what appeared to be some sort of covering on the hand/wrist that was later injured. Burrow has since claimed it was a compression sleeve to prevent swelling on high-altitude flights.  

DEC 7 HURST SPEAKS ABOUT INJURY Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst, the team's first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist, according to a social media post from his father, Jerry Hurst.

Hurst, 30, took a hit in Chicago against the Bears on Nov. 9 while playing for the Carolina Panthers, and that contact apparently caused the injury.

"Slow recovery, don't know when he'll be back," Jerry Hurst tweeted. "Prayers appreciated."

On Thursday, Hurst himself updated his status via social media, "While it was scary, it is NOT career ending. I'm starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks! God Bless & Keep Pounding !!!!"

DEC 4 STEELERS SIGNING MCSORLEY First it was former Raven Joe Flacco signing with the rival Browns. Now, another former Ravens signal-caller is heading to an AFC North foe as the Steelers are expected to add former Baltimore quarterback Trace McSorley to their practice squad.

Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett had ankle surgery on Monday necessitating the move. McSorley, 28, was drafted by Baltimore with the No. 197 overall pick in 2019. He played in just three games in two seasons, completing three of 10 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

DEC 1 BROWNS STARTING FLACCO SUNDAY VS LA Joe Flacco is officially back to influence the AFC North playoff picture. 

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Flacco, the most prolific passer in Baltimore Ravens history, will get the starting nod for Cleveland's crucial interconference showdown against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX). Flacco, added to Cleveland's system last week in the wake of quarterback injuries, was elevated to the top spot after rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was placed in concussion protocol. 

Flacco is best known for his days in Baltimore and has made regular season appearances with Denver and the New York Jets after his departure in 2018. During his storied career with the Ravens, Flacco posted an 18-3 record as a starter against Cleveland. Former XFL star PJ Walker will serve as Flacco's backup.

NOV 29 FORMER RAVENS QB FLACCO MOVING UP FOR BROWNS Former Baltimore signal caller Joe Flacco has found a new home in Cleveland. After the season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson, the Browns were left thin at quarterback.

Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that Flacco will be called up from the practice squad and will be the backup to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who is in concussion protocol. If Thompson-Robinson can't go, the 38-year-old Flacco will get the start against the Rams on Dec. 3.

NOV 26 PIERRE-PAUL FINDS NEW HOME Former Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is expected to be joining the Miami Dolphins practice squad following Jaelen Phillips' Achilles injury in their 34-13 win over the New York Jets on Friday, per a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

The former 2010 first-round pick spent last season with the Ravens, playing in 14 games while totaling 26 tackles, five for a loss, three sacks, three quarterback hits, and an interception. 

Since then, Pierre-Paul briefly spent time with the New Orleans Saints, where he played in just one game before being picked up off their practice squad by the Dolphins.

NOV 24 DEL RIO FIRED After yet another embarrassing performance by the Commanders defense - this time to division rival Dallas - Washington has fired its defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio according to multiple reports. 

The Commanders just suffered an embarrassing 45-10 loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Washington has also fired its defensive back coach Brent Vieselmeyer. Del Rio was in his fourth season as the DC in Washington and has faced criticism throughout much of his tenure.

Head coach Ron Rivera has always backed Del Rio, but now, with Rivera's own job on the line, decided to make the move. Rivera, who is also a defensive coach, will likely handle the defensive playcalling moving forward.

Del Rio served previously as the head coach of the Raiders for three seasons and head coach of the Jaguars for nine.

NOV 21 CANADA FIRED It's a shakeup in the AFC North that everybody saw coming.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that offensive coordinator Matt Canada has been "relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator.'' ... in other words, fired.

"Matt Canada has been relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator," head coach Mike Tomlin wrote in a statement released first thing Tuesday morning. "I appreciate Matt's hard work and dedication, and I wish him the best moving forward in his career."

This season, the Steelers are 6-4 and in third place in the division, which is led by 8-3 Baltimore. But the Pittsburgh offense has been poor, ranking 28th in yards per game, 30th in yards and 28th in points per game.

NOV 19 FINES, FINES, EVERYWHERE THERE'S FINES The NFL is adding to its own self-imposed silly scrutiny with what seems like an increase in fines against players who ... haven't done anything wrong.

The latest foolishness? On Saturday, the league handed down a fine of $10,927 to Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. What did OBJ do wrong? Start a fight? Put an opponent in danger? Put on display something the children simply should never witness?

On his recent touchdown catch against the Browns, he flashed the "peace sign.''

The NFL needs its rules. And the "No-Fun League'' sometimes has to be that way. But this sort of punishment threatens to homogenize the personalities of the sport, which is one of the reasons we watch.

We'd suggest that with OBJ's case as an example, the NFL "give peace a chance.''

NOV 17 FAA TO INVESTIGATE DRONES AT RAVENS GAMES An unknown pilot should've left the aerial antics to Lamar Jackson.

A report from the Associated Press says that the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the appearance of two drones over M&T Bank Stadium during Thursday night's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. The drones briefly paused action twice on Thursday, which ended with a 34-20 Ravens victory in a crucial AFC North showdown.

By law, drones can not be flown within three miles of a stadium from an hour before kickoff to an hour after the final gun. 

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that the delays brought back memories of the blackout at Super Bowl XLVII in the AP report.

"That's a first," Harbaugh remarked. "I thought I'd seen it all with the Super Bowl, the lights going out at the Super Bowl. Now we got drones flying around."

NOV 15 BOWSER HOPES TO PLAY IN 2023 Tyus Bowser expressed his desire to take the field for the Ravens before this promising, if not dangerous, season ends. The seventh-year linebacker has been on injured reserve all year with a knee injury and has not appeared in any games this year.

"I'm doing everything I can right now to put myself in a position, not only to protect myself as far as my health, but also having a part in this team because we're doing a great job," Bowser told Morgan Adsit of WBFF-TV. "We're moving in a great direction right now and I'm excited for what the future holds, and I just want to be a part of it."

Bowser's Baltimore career has been derailed after he sustained a torn Achilles injury at the end of the 2021 season, which saw him post a career-high 59 tackles and seven sacks.

NOV 14 JOHN SUPPORTS JIM Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has finally commented on the issues his brother, Jim Harbaugh - Michigan Wolverines head coach - has been faced with. Notably, a three-game suspension for advance scouting violations.

John shared how his brother is doing during the alleged sign-stealing scandal. 

"I have a lot of opinions on this... I'm proud as heck of him." "He’s come through this thing with flying colors." "He's a great man, he’s a great coach and he stands tall through all of this."

As brothers do, John will undoubtedly support Jim through this recent Michigan scandal. 

Where Do Ravens Land in Latest NFL Power Rankings?

NOV 9 JIM SCHWARZ PLAYING WEEK ADJUSTMENTS CLOSE TO THE CHEST The best thing that Cleveland Browns fans could say about their Week 4 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens was that it was a learning experience. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz confirmed that his unit learned plenty from the 28-3 shellacking ... but he's going to let the Ravens themselves figure out what that gathered during the rematch on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, Fox). 

“I’ll leave that for the Ravens to figure out,” Schwartz said, per Ashley Bastock of Cleveland.com. “There’s no sense in me talking about what we did well, what we did poorly, and what we’re changing.”

The Cleveland defense has been one of the NFL's most formidable this season but Baltimore broke through for 131 rushing yards and 28 points, the second-most they've let up in a game in each department. Working with backup rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on short notice certainly didn't help, but Schwartz is well-aware of just how impactful the Browns' defense can be.

“We did a lot of good things in the first game, too," Schwartz said ahead of the crucial AFC North showdown. "(We) didn’t play a consistent game, didn’t finish the game well, but there’s a lot to build on from that game.”

NOV 5 WEEK 9 INACTIVES vs. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS The Ravens announced their inactives for Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

RAVENS:

T Morgan Moses

S Marcus Williams

CB Rock Ya-Sin

CB Jalyn Armour-Davis

G Sala Aumavae-Laulu

QB Josh Johnson (Emergency 3rd QB)

SEAHAWKS:

LB Devin Bush

CB Kyu Blu Kelly

OT Raiqwon O'Neal

DE Myles Adams

OG Anthony Bradford

The Ravens kick off against the Seahawks at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday in a matchup between division leaders at M&T Bank Stadium.

NOV 3 ODELL TALKS 'FINE' LINE BETWEEN PERSONAL, TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Upon ending semi-retirement to join the Baltimore Ravens, Odell Beckham Jr. knew he wouldn't beach contending for the top spot on the league's yardage lists. But as injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from making a desirable impact on the team's offensive fortunes, Beckham admitted to ESPN's Jamison Hensley that he found himself combating his love of the good for the team and his own personal frustrations.

"I didn't come here with the expectation that I'd be going for 2,000 yards," Beckham said. "We're trying to win a Super Bowl, so it is what it is, at this point. (I'm) just walking the fine line of being grateful for being back on the field but definitely not being content with how I am in terms of what's going on."

Through six games, Beckham has been targeted 26 times but has hauled in only 162 yards on 14 receptions, none of which have gone for a touchdown.

Hensley's report made it clear that his teammates and coaching staff still believe in his ability to make a difference as the Ravens (6-2) seek new team accolades come this winter.

"Odell is super talented, very determined, really has a high standard for himself [and] really works hard," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "I really think that's indicative of his reputation. It's like, they know who he is. They know he's No. 3, and they do not want to give up a completion to him. He's being covered that way."

"I just think it's going to pop. He's going to start getting some big catches for us."

OCT 31 ODELL GOES FULL 'BIG DADDY' AND BOOKER FOR HALLOWEEN Odell Beckham Jr. and his son are both losing weight.

The Baltimore Ravens channeled his inner Adam Sandler for Halloween, dressing as the comedian's character Sonny Koufax from his 1999 film "Big Daddy." Beckham completed the look with his son Zydn, who dressed as Sandler's young sidekick Julian (portrayed by Cole and Dylan Sprouse) from the film. Together, the duo playfully recreated the film's iconic scene where Sonny and Julian urinate on the side of a fancy restaurant, a sequence depicted on the film's poster.

It was a busy Halloween for Zydn, who perhaps doubled his candy intake with another joint costume endeavor alongside his mother Lauren Wood. Photos posted by Wood showed Zydn dressed as Sheriff Woody, the main protagonist from Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story" franchise, while she appeared as his cowgirl friend Jessie from the same film series.

The elder Beckham likewise donned multiple costumes on All Hallow's Eve, dressing as one of his close friends, NBA All-Star Devin Booker. Beckham eschewed Booker's traditional Phoenix Suns jersey, opting for his off-court style of a white t-shirt, hoodie, khakis, and Detroit Tigers baseball cap.

OCT 29 OFFICIALS EXPLAIN CONTROVERSIAL 4TH DOWN STOP IN RAVENS-CARDINALS The minds of gridiron conspiracy theorists took flight during the Baltimore Ravens-Arizona Cardinals game on Sunday after a controversial ruling in the second quarter.

Near the midway mark of the second quarter, Arizona's upset bid was stalled by a turnover on downs at the Baltimore 36 after Emari Demercado was stuffed for no gain by Michael Pierce. Officials prepared to measure the spot but inexplicably moved the ball back as the chains were being run out, causing outrage among the sea of red at State Farm Stadium. Baltimore got the ball back and the Cardinals did not threaten for the rest of the half.

NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson commented on the situation after the game in a quote from pool reporter Bob McManaman of AZ Central (h/t Donnie Druin of Cardinals Country). Anderson said that refs were informed of a different ball spot via the reply officials upstairs. Once the readjusted spot was established, the on-field officials determined that no measurement or the replay machine was necessary.

"With the replay assist rule, what that allows us to do is provide officials with objective information if we end up with clear and obvious video evidence," Anderson said. "We waited a bit because we weren't exactly sure where the officials were going to initially spot the ball after all the players cleared and we could see it actually spotted on the big line."

"Then the replay official told the officials that the ball was clearly short and that's why the umpire ended up moving the ball. Obviously, with it being short on a fourth down with the new rule this year, a failed fourth-down attempt is a booth review. But since we had already assisted, we knew it was short that's why we didn't stop further to review it again."

OCT 26 "YOU'LL SEE ME!" ROQUAN SMITH DECLARES Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith confirmed his status for this Sunday ... and perhaps the next innumerable Sundays after that. 

Smith did not practice on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, leaving some questioning his status for Baltimore's trip to Arizona on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS). The defender, however, put any future concerns to rest before he left the team facility. 

"I told the guys, 'As long as the sun rises on Sunday and the NFL don't cancel any games, you'll see me out there,'" Smith declared, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN. 

Smith, 26, has made 57 consecutive starts since a torn pec ended his 2019 campaign with Chicago early. In his first full season in purple, Smith currently stands as the team's leading tackler with 71 through the first seven games.

OCT 24 BOLDIN PRAISES BALTIMORE SUCCESSORS Anquan Boldin, one of the last Baltimore Ravens receivers to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, seems to believe that the team's current crop of catchers is worthy of following in his footsteps. 

Boldin, 43, is particularly impressed with the way that the Ravens' offensive reps have adjusted particularly well to a new offensive coordinator, welcoming in Todd Monken after Greg Roman's departure.

"I think they have the right receivers in the room," Boldin told Scott Thompson of Fox News. "I think they’re still in the process of filling out who can do what. You look at it, they have a new offensive coordinator this year after G-Rome the last couple years. So they’re still trying to figure those pieces out."

"You went from a run-heavy offense to now trying to be more balanced. They’re still trying to figure that piece out. Like I said, how do we use the guys around us? Because they have some dynamic pieces, so just trying to figure it out."

Baltimore (5-2) has had one of the most exciting offenses in the league over the first seven weeks of the 2023 season, one that fully flexed its might in a crucial interconference showdown against the Detroit Lions: nine different Ravens caught at least one Lamar Jackson pass on Sunday, part of a 357-yard day through the air. Mark Andrews (two) and Nelson Agholor caught Jackson's three touchdown passes while rookie Zay Flowers earned 75 yards on four grabs. 

Boldin is impressed with the newcomers, which also include Odell Beckham Jr., have meshed, especially with preseason snaps rendered mostly extinct for starters.

"In the past, you use those games to kinda gel together and get that continuity going," Boldin noted. "Now, people seem more concerned about being healthy going into the season, which is a good thing. When you don’t play in the preseason, you don’t get that experience playing together. It takes a little time during the season to gel together."

OCT 21 JONES OUT VS. RAVENS The Detroit Lions will be without one of their veteran pass catchers on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Lions receiver Marvin Jones Jr. won't play against the Ravens due to personal reasons.

Jones has five catches for 35 yards this season. The Lions and Ravens kick off at 1 p.m. inside M&T Bank Stadium.

OCT 19 RAYMOND LAUDS BECKHAM'S 'ACTIVE' MENTORSHIP As his Detroit Lions prepare for a crucial interconference matchup with the Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m. ET, Fox), receiver Kalif Raymond recalled the impact that Odell Beckham Jr. had on his career.

Raymond, 29, has built a solid, if not well-traveled, NFL career for himself since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross in 2016. Part of his second season was spent alongside Beckham with the New York Giants and Raymond recalled Beckham taking him under his wing.

“He helped a lot of the guys, but it wasn’t like a limelight help the guys. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, yeah, I help the guys’ (being said in press conferences). It was very active," Raymond said of Beckham, per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. "He’s like, ‘Man, you’re plenty fast for this league. Slow it down. This game will come to you." 

"It’s a moment like that, man. If you ever watched him in practice … people who know him know how good of a teammate he is ... He’s huge. … But even with all that, he’d still find the time to take care of people."

Raymond is currently working through his third season in Detroit. He has posted the best numbers of his career in the Motor City, earning 1,379 yards on 109 receptions since 2021.

OCT 19 NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL EXTENDED - Commissioner Roger Goodell has signed a new contract extension to remain the leader of the league through the 2027 season as team owners approved the agreement at this week's meetings in New York.

Goodell, who replaced Paul Tagliabue as commissioner in 2006, will now have his career earnings surpass $700 million - twice more than any player in NFL history.

The 64-year-old started with the league in 1982 as an administrative intern. His extension will push his service to 45 years in the NFL and 21 as commissioner. 

OCT 18 TYUS BOWSER 'FEELING GREAT,' 'GETTING TO THAT POINT' As the Baltimore Ravens opened the week, head coach John Harbaugh was mum on the status of linebacker Tyus Bowser, who has been on the non-football injury list all season. 

“I’m going to let Tyus comment on that,” Harbaugh said, per Childs Walker of the Baltimore Sun. “I’m really not at liberty to talk about it right now. He’s got to make some choices and decisions.”

Bowser did just that on the latest episode of "The Tyus Bowser Show" on PressBox, hinting at intentions of playing this season.

“I’m on the field,” Bowser said. “I’m moving around very well. I’m just gaining more and more confidence each and every day, not only on the field, but in the training room. I have great people around me, great support staff, and I feel like myself is getting to that point. I’m just going to continue to work hard, and when that time comes, it comes.”

Bowser, 28, has spent his entire career in Baltimore since arriving as a second-round pick in the 2017 draft. He emerged as a starter in 2021 and picked up a career-best seven sacks before a torn Achilles stifled further momentum last year. His recent comments suggest that he's planning to make a return to the field before this season lets out. 

“If I can play, I’ll definitely play,” Bowser said Tuesday. “That’s the goal. That’s the mindset.”

OCT 16 HAMILTON "NOTHING MALICIOUS" BEHIND HIT ON MOORE Kyle Hamilton was confused yet apologetic about the hit that forced his early exit from Sunday's 24-16 win over the Tennessee Titans (see below).

The second-year Baltimore Ravens safety was removed for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tennessee receiver Chris Moore during second half action. After a replay review, Hamilton was sent to the locker room while his teammates finished off the win.

"I don't have really any quarrels with the call itself, but obviously, I just don't want to be ejected," Hamilton said in the aftermath, per Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site. "But, at the end of the day, the story is not about me. We came out here and got a win. Everybody was locked in (and) focused."

Despite his confusion, Hamilton was apologetic toward Moore.

"I turned to look at the receiver split second," Hamilton said. "(I) hit him, tried to get the ball out. He came up, shaken up, unfortunately, so (I'm) praying for him. Hopefully, he's doing well ... (There was) nothing malicious about it from my perspective. I wasn't trying to hurt him. I wasn't trying to do anything bad. I was just trying to get the ball out."

OCT 15 KYLE HAMILTON EJECTED Baltimore Ravens defensive back Kyle Hamilton is making an early exit in London.

The second-year defensive back was ejected in the second half of the team's game against the Tennessee Titans after a helmet-to-helmet hit on receiver Chris Moore.

Here's a look at the play ...

The Ravens hold a 21-13 lead in the middle of the fourth quarter.

OCT 12 OJABO PLOTS RETURNS BEFORE SEASON'S END Injured Baltimore Ravens linebacker David Ojabo stated his desire to get on the field before season's end as the team continues to work in England to partake in the NFL International Series.

"(I'm) working really hard to be out there. Through God's grace I'll be out there soon," Ojabo said, per the Ravens' official site. "No timetable right now. Just rehabbing, taking it day by day."

Medical misfortune has defined Ojabo's career since the Ravens took him in the second round of the 2022 draft. He played in only two games in his rookie season thanks to a torn Achilles during his pro day at Michigan and currently resides on injured reserve due to an knee injury sustained in Week 3's loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Though Ojabo won't be able to play in Sunday's British-based battle against the Tennessee Titans (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network), he'll be on hand for a homecoming of sorts: the defender spent his youth and early teens in Aberdeen, Scotland before moving to New Jersey, where he moved onto Blair Academy and later Ann Arbor.

"I'm blessed to be back home," Ojabo said of the London trip. "You control what you can. (I) keep my mentals up by praying and staying close to my family."

OCT 11 HUMPHREY CLAIMS STARS WANT TO 'RETIRE IN BALTIMORE' On the latest edition of his "Punch Line Podcast," cornerback Marlon Humphrey claimed that star opponents have reached out to him about their supposed desires to be traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

"There's guys that hit me up like 'yo, trade for me,'" Humphrey said. "So some guys are ready to bounce quick."

Humphrey said that he has not only gotten both calls and texts inquiring about the Ravens' activities but they have also queried during pregame warmups. 

"One time, (in) pregame, literally this year, they (were) like "I've got to end my career in Baltimore,'" Humphrey said. He is mum on the player's identity but confirmed to an off-screen voice that it wasn't star Washington Commanders star pass rusher Chase Young, who faced off with Baltimore during the preseason. 

It's easy to see why Baltimore would be a premier destination: the Ravens (3-2) have been one of the league's most consistent teams over the past five seasons and have locked up star talents like Lamar Jackson for the foreseeable future. The team, however, has had trouble getting past the Divisional playoff round hump and the AFC North routinely stands as one of the toughest quartets in football. Time will tell if Baltimore management capitalizes on these rumored desires. 

OCT 6 HARBAUGH REMEMBERS BUTKUS Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh used his Friday address to pay tribute to the late Dick Butkus. The Hall-of-Fame linebacker passed away in Malibu at the age of 80 this week after spending his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears (1965-73).

"You couldn't talk about (being) a linebacker in the national football league without talking about Dick Butkus," Harbaugh recalled. "Dick Butkus. That is the same as saying linebacker. You say Dick Butkus, it meant linebacker. Next to the definition of linebacker was Dick Butkus ... Rest in peace, Dick Butkus, as a legendary player. Without Dick Butkus, the league would not be what it is today."

Butkus is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history and earned two Defensive Player of the Year Awards and eight Pro Bowl nominations. He was recently named to the NFL's 100th anniversary team in 2019 as well as the All-Decade group for the 1960s and 70s. 

OCT 3 HARMON TO CHICAGO OFF RAVENS PS Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bears are set to add Duron Harmon off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.

Harmon, best known for his work with the New England Patriots, earned three Super Bowl rings with Foxborough's finest. The 32-year-old signed with the Ravens on Sept. 12 after the endured a plethora of injuries in its Week 2 victory over Houston but did not appear in any games.

Chicago (0-4) is one of two winless teams left on the NFL ledger. It'll have a chance to earn its first victory on Thursday night against the Washington Commanders (8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video).

SEPT 29 BROWN BURNED The Cleveland injury news just got a little worse … and a little weird … as the Browns prep their AFC North showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.

In addition to QB Deshaun Watson being listed as “questionable” for Week 4 with soreness in his throwing shoulder, tight end David Njoku has now been added to the team's injury report following Saturday's workout. 

What happened to Njoku? He sustained burn injuries to his face and arm in a household accident. … which according to some reports occurred while Njoku was trying to light the firepit in his backyard.

SEPT 27 RAVENS SIGN KYLE VAN NOY The Baltimore Ravens are adding some linebacker depth.

According to the team, veteran Kyle Van Noy has been signed to the practice squad.

Van Noy, 32, was a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and has played for the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers.

SEPT 26 RAVENS MOURN PASSING OF BROOKS ROBINSON Baltimore Ravens management released a statement to commemorate the passing of Charm City baseball legend Brooks Robinson. 

Often regarded as one of the greatest defensive infielders to play the game (boasting skills that earned him nicknames like "The Human Vacuum Cleaner"), Robinson played his entire 23-year Major League Baseball career with the nearby Orioles and held most of the major Baltimore batting records, including hits (2,848) and runs batted in (1,357) upon his retirement after the 1977 campaign.

"Brooks Robinson is iconic, not just in the game of baseball, but in Baltimore as a whole," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said. "Few people captured the hearts of a community like Brooks. His charm, kindness, and class truly made him one of a kind."

"Ingrid, Alison, and I extend our deepest condolences, prayers, and respect to the entire Robinson family after the passing of the great Brooks Robinson," head coach John Harbaugh added. "From the moment we met Brooks, when completely unbeknown to us he answered the door for Trick or Treat during our first year in Baltimore, we knew what a wonderful and gracious man he was. Brooks was full of love for everyone he met. May God forever bless him and the entire Robinson family."

Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY in 1983, earning entry upon his first appearance on the ballot. The modern Orioles (98-59) are closing in on an American League East division title and have a potential chance at clinching it on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals (6:35 p.m. ET, MASN).

SEPT 26 TYLAN WALLACE TO IR As the Baltimore Ravens continue to deal with an alarming number of injuries, they added another player to the injured reserve on Monday. 

Following the loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Ravens moved receiver Tylan Wallace to the injury reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury during the 22-19 loss, which means that the core special teamer will miss at least the next four games. 

With the new roster spot opened up on the 53-man roster, the Ravens brought in a third quarterback and familiar face in Josh Johnson, who was released by the team the day before the game versus the Colts.

SEPT 25 COLTS TROLLED FOR CRAB KERFUFFLE The Indianapolis Colts hauled in a new variety of deadliest catch.

Following their unexpected 22-19 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts' official social media channels attempted to get in on the fun: lampooning Chesapeake cuisine, the Colts labeled Sunday's win "delicious" and posted art of of the final score drawn in Old Bay Seasoning flanked by lemons, garlic, corn-on-the-cob, and, of course, crab. 

However, Ravens fans, and perhaps those still well-versed in the original Colts' endeavors in Baltimore, were quick to point out that the crab in question was Alaskan king crab rather than the Chesapeake blue crab which is most often found in, as its name implies, the nearby Chesapeake Bay. 

The official Old Bay Seasoning account even got in on the fun, calling out the apparently uncultured Colts for their faux meal prep.

SEPT 23 RAY LEWIS MENTORS ROQUAN SMITH The Baltimore Ravens are known for having strong linebackers, and the past was able to meet the present when Ray Lewis and Roquan Smith teamed up to go over some film.

Smith is already a tremendous defender, but with Lewis in his ear giving him some of his expertise, it only elevates his ceiling.

SEPT 22 ANTHONY RICHARDSON OUT AGAINST RAVENS The Indianapolis Colts will be without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson after he suffered a concussion in the first half of their 31-20 win over the Houston Texans. 

Gardner Minshew will start for the Colts. He completed 19 of 23 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown in relief of Richardson. 

Baltimore (2-0) hosts the Colts (1-1) at M&T Bank Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

SEPT 21 RAVENS-COLTS AMONG TEAMS IN POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE 16'S PATH Fox Weather has labeled Sunday's clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts as one of three games that could be affected by precipitation brought about by Potential Tropical Storm 16. The storm is expected to work its way through the East Coast over the weekend.

In the wake of the drenching, Fox Weather analysts project that the wet conditions could produce a big day for Baltimore running backs, even with primary legs J.K. Dobbins out.

"The Ravens will not only need to worry about which quarterback will be starting for the Colts (with Anthony Richards injured), but Lamar Jackson will need to utilize both Gus Edwards and Justice Hill with J.K. Dobbins out for the year," Heather Brinkmann and Brandon Ingram write. "But let’s not forget the wheels on Jackson. He will be a no-brainer for a fantasy start, as his running stats alone could carry the team." 

Other games in the path of the storm include the Washington Commanders' Mid-Atlantic showdown against the Buffalo Bills and the AFC East clash between the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

SEPT 20 RAVENS SIGN RB The Baltimore Ravens are adding some depth at running back after the season-ending Achilles injury to JK Dobbins in Week 1 - and it's a familiar face.

Kenyan Drake returns to the Ravens after a brief stint with the Colts in training camp. Last year with Baltimore, he rushed for 571 carries and five touchdowns.

SEPT 19 BECKHAM FINDS NEW LOVE? Per People Magazine, Ravens wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and reality TV star Kim Kardashian are "hanging out" and "spending time together" per reports.

Beckham, 30, recently split from longtime girlfriend, model Lauren Wood, with whom OBJ shares a son with.

The 42-year-old Kardashian has four children from a previous marriage to rapper Kanye West. Representatives from each camp are not releasing any information regarding a possible relationship, but the two were at Michael Rubin's July 4 party, which is where they may have met.

Odell and the Kardashian
Odell and the Kardashian / FanStreamSports.com

SEPT 19 HOF BALLOT FEATURED 14 RETIRED RAVENS The Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled its 2024 ballot on Tuesday and its 173-member ledger features 14 former members of the Baltimore Ravens. 

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is one of nine first-year arrivals and he's joined by several compatriots of the new century such as Matt Birk, Jamal Lewis, Derrick Mason, Samari Rolle, and Matt Stover. 

Brief Raven Devin Hester will look to close the deal after standing as a finalist in 2023. Other potential legends who briefly spent time in Baltimore include Anquan Boldin, Randall Cunningham, Priest Holmes, and Steve Smith Sr.

SEPT 18 OBJ OK? Odell Beckham Jr. was forced to exit the Ravens’ Week 2 win over the Bengals, but Baltimore apparently believes the ankle issue to not be a serious one.

Beckham signed with the Ravens this off-season after spending a year rehabbing from a knee injury. This issue is unrelated to that one … all good news as Baltimore works to stay undefeated entering Week 3 and a meeting with the Colts.

SEPT 17 GORDON AND MUSTIPHER JOIN CLUB The Ravens announced on Saturday that they have elevated running back Melvin Gordon and center Sam Mustipher from the practice squad ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 30-year-old Gordon was a first-round pick by the Chargers in the 2015 NFL Draft and was with the Ravens in the offseason before being a victim of the 53-man final roster cuts. Gordon's services are necessary due to the season-ending Achilles injury to Ravens RB1, J.K. Dobbins suffered in Week 1.

Mustipher was signed for depth after starting center Tyler Linderbaum was injured against the Texans in Week 1.

SEPT 15 TUOHY FAMILY RESPONDS TO MICHAEL OHER CLAIMS The Tuohy family has filed a legal response to claims from former Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher regarding their dramatized relationship depicted in the 2009 film "The Blind Side." Penned by their representatives, the statement once again denies claims from Oher that the family unfairly profited from the film's box office receipts and also carries an offer to terminate the conservatorship established in Oher's name with his consent.

"When it became clear that the petitioner could not consider going to the University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss") as a result of living with the Respondents, the NCAA made it clear that the only way he could attend Ole Miss" was if Oher was somehow part of the family," the response, obtained by Michael A. Fletcher of ESPN, reads in part. "Conservatorship was the tool chosen to accomplish this goal."

The response also claims that the Tuohys never told Oher that they planned to legally adopt him though admitted to using the term in a "colloquial sense."

"They never intended that (adoption) reference to be viewed with legal implication," the response said.

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