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The Ravens officially signed linebacker Prescott Burgess off the New England Patriots’ practice squad this week.
Linebacker and Pro Bowl special teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo will land on Injured Reserve to clear a roster spot for Burgess. Ayanbadejo sustained what he called a torn quadriceps muscle in Baltimore’s 27-21 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.
Burgess was originally a Ravens sixth-round draft pick in 2007, but was traded to New England on Sept. 22 for a conditional draft pick. Burgess was seen unpacking items at Ravens headquarters on Monday evening and later appeared on a local radio show to talk about his impending signing.
He was released after less than a week and re-signed to the Patriots’ practice squad on Sept. 30 after clearing the waiver wire, where all teams – in order of lowest to highest winning percentage – have a chance to sign him to their active rosters. If a practice squad player is still under his developmental contract, a team must place that player on the active roster to acquire him.
Burgess left Baltimore as the team’s leading special teams tackler with five stops after two games. His addition could ease some of the burden Ayanbadejo’s loss would mean for special teams, while his versatility can bring depth to the defense. Burgess has seen time throughout his career at both inside and outside linebacker.
Ayanbadejo currently owns six special teams tackles and 22 stops on defense to go along with one sack and one interception.
