The Baltimore Ravens are set to activate wide receiver and return specialist Deonte Harty for a 21-day practice window, a significant move reported by Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Harty, who joined the Ravens this offseason, has faced numerous challenges this season, including personal issues that kept him from most of the offseason workouts and a knee injury that has sidelined him since Week 6. Although head coach John Harbaugh noted that the injury wasn’t season-ending, Harty’s absence has extended beyond initial expectations.
In the limited action he has had, Harty showcased his skills with eight punt returns for 85 yards and four kickoffs for 98 yards. Despite participating in six offensive plays, he did not receive any targets. While Harty has been injured, the Ravens have had to rely on various players to fill in as return specialists, including Tylan Wallace, Desmond King, and Steven Sims for punt returns, while Justice Hill and others took charge of kickoffs.
Harty began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints, originally known as Deonte Harris. He earned All-Pro honors in his rookie year, leading the league in punt return yards. After a successful stint with the Buffalo Bills, where he had a notable 96-yard punt return against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18, Harty is now looking to make an impact in the playoffs with the Ravens. The team's first injury report of the week will provide further updates on his condition ahead of their Wild Card match against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
