Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens Make Final Cuts, Set 53-Man Roster

The Baltimore Ravens finalized their initial roster over the weekend. As always there were a couple surprises, and decisions that have fans bickering with one another on the various social media platforms.

Here are our thoughts on how things stand as we enter September.

Rob Shields

The best news about the Ravens roster was that Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan didn’t start on the PUP list. Whether or not they can play Week 1 is TBD, but this means they should be in there within the first four weeks of the season.

The biggest surprise is Joe Fagnano making the roster. I’m really shocked they did this, even though he played very well. My guess is they felt he was going to get picked up and see him as the backup long term. I guess we all have to wonder if this is a sign that Lamar may not sign his deal…but after just a quick assessment, I am doubtful those dots connect at all. I’m sure others will disagree though. Let the arguments begin.

I didn’t like exposing Rayshaun Benny to waivers, and would rather have him than John Jenkins but that’s likely small potatoes and Benny will probably clear and be on the practice squad.

I was also surprised to see Adam Randall on the PUP. My guess is this is just some roster manipulation but I liked what we have seen out of him so far, so I hope he has a real role this year.

Darin McCann

Honestly, there weren’t a ton of surprises here. The two weekend trades answered a few pesky questions about the back of the roster, and the assignment of running back Adam Randall to the IR list caught me a bit off guard.

It has felt like quarterback Joe Fagnano had earned his spot on the field, and it felt like a good sign that the powers-that-be in Owings Mills were rewarding him for his on-field play, as they did with edge defender Ethan Burke.

Cutting Adisa Isaac after what has probably been his best summer speaks on the talent the team has assembled in that group, and I felt like there were a few defensive backs and linemen who might have normally made this team were it not for the glut of young talent they have acquired on that side of the ball. There is a lot of talent on this roster, from top to bottom. How it all comes together under this new coaching staff will determine how the season ultimately goes.

Also, take another look at that defensive backfield group. It truly has the chance to be a special unit, for years to come.

John Hughey

For a roster that didn’t have many open spots, there’s still plenty of storylines following the Ravens announcing the official 53-man roster. Ethan Burke was the final player to make it in my predictions, after the UDFA’s standout preseason. Fagnano was my last cut. After Sunday, both UDFA standouts have officially made the roster. Despite the decision to hold onto both rookies, the news that both Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan will start the season off the IR, is without question, the biggest takeaway from the league wide cut day.

The Ravens have slowly ramped up Madubuike, but the veteran defensive lineman hasn’t participated in full team activities to this point. He’s going to be the player under the most anticipation to return, but taking their time might be the Ravens’ best strategy.

There wasn’t really anything shocking or head scratching after the roster was announced, making it an overall solid 53-man roster to begin the season with. We’re just a few days away from the beginning of a new era in Baltimore.

Chad Racine

There were a few mild surprises on the 53-man roster but for the most part was nearly as expected. I think what was difficult to figure out was who the IR candidates were going to be and largely if Madubuike was going to IR. I think that decision was mostly based on him being able to practice, and how can you ramp up his work if he’s not allowed to practice for four weeks? In my opinion there’s still a good chance Madubuike doesn’t suit up the first four weeks. I’m still thrilled to see he didn’t start on IR.

I’m very happy to see Ethan Burke make it and make it over former third-round pick Adisa Isaac. Isaac had only played four games in two years. I wish him well but it was time for someone else to get a shot and Burke earned this spot on the team and it’s very exciting to have a promising young edge rusher on the team.

I was surprised to see Joe Fagnano make the team only because carrying three quarterbacks is not typical of the Ravens but he gave them every reason not to cut him. With Bilal Kone and Adam Randall on IR (designated to return), it allowed a move like this to happen.

The decision to keep Aeneas Peebles over Rayshaun Benny was another move I was happy to see. Considering Minter coached Benny in college one would think there may be an allegiance there. Peebles’ ability to rush from the inside, though, is more valuable than a run-stuffer.

I’m thrilled with this 53-man roster and looking forward to September 13th.

Chris Schisler

There were not a ton of surprises on the 53-man roster. It was good to see Joe Fagnano’s almost magical preseason was not for nothing. You have to wonder if the Ravens see him as a valuable trade piece in the future, or as a true developmental quarterback. Either way, the man earned his spot.

Rasheen Ali making it makes sense, though it’s almost surprising a team without a true fullback didn’t keep four backs. Ali offers a bit more experience than Randall and has return and special teams abilities.

The most exciting thing is all the young and unproven defensive backs; Chandler Rivers making the team is great but it was not a given. Keondre Jackson was an undrafted free agent last year, who is disciplined and has worked his way to this roster spot. The youth and untapped potential of the defensive backs under stars like Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton is the biggest thing to be excited about.

Jared Pinder

With a roster as good as the Ravens’ always is, the final cut-down decisions are always about depth. Usually they’ll get one UDFA on the roster, and this year it’s Ethan Burke. I really like keeping him over Isaac. I was also really happy to see to that they choose to get Peebles on the roster over Benny. A UDFA QB making it is kind of crazy, but Fagnano earned it. Overall, I was really satisfied with who made it, and I also liked EDC making those trades he did instead of risking losing those players for nothing on waivers.

The post Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens Make Final Cuts, Set 53-Man Roster appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2026/08/31/knee-jerk-reactions/final-cuts-burke-fagnano/