Rimpf placed on IR, Ravens cut 10
By Aaron Wilson
Contributing writer
OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens began trimming their roster down prior to Saturday's league-mandated 53-man limit, releasing 10 players and placing offensive guard Brian Rimpf on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
That leaves Baltimore with 11 more transactions to execute by 4 p.m., the NFL deadline.
In perhaps their most prominent move, the Ravens released linebacker Roderick Green, a fifth-round draft pick in 2004 who has performed well on special teams and as a situational pass rusher.
Last season, Green registered a career-high 17 special-teams tackles and two sacks while playing in all 16 games.
Meanwhile, Baltimore waived defensive tackle Remi Ayodele, tight end Bobby Blizzard, safety Robb Butler, linebacker Jimmy Cottrell, offensive tackle Rob Droege, kicker Aaron Elling, wide receiver Travis LaTendresse, center Thatcher Szalay and defensive back Duvol Thompson.
Elling’s departure would seem to be yet another signal that rookie Sam Koch will handle kickoff duties in addition to having clearly beaten out veteran Leo Araguz for the punting job.
Placing Rimpf on injured reserve after he started seven games last season at right guard and cutting Szalay likely means that the Ravens are counting on the versatility of reserve interior blockers Jason Brown and Chris Chester.