The Ravens’ commitment to bolstering their wide receiver position this past offseason moved Devin Duvernay out of a regular role on offense, but the former All-Pro return man remains a key performer for Baltimore’s special teams. He is on his way back to work for the playoffs.
Duvernay is back at Ravens practice Wednesday; the team designated its kick and punt returner for return from IR. Baltimore has four IR-return moves remaining, and Duvernay had been expected to comprise one of those slots. A December back injury moved Duvernay off Baltimore’s active roster.
Baltimore has received top-shelf return work from Duvernay during his career. The former third-round pick is a two-time Pro Bowler who collected a first-team All-Pro nod for his 2021 work. Duvernay led the NFL with 13.8 yards per punt return that season and has averaged at least 11.5 per return in each of his four seasons. Both of Duvernay’s return touchdowns have come on kick returns, in 2020 and ’22, with the Texas alum offering versatility during his Baltimore career.
A shaky Ravens receiver depth chart last season paved the way for Duvernay triple duty, and he totaled 37 receptions for 407 yards. A foot injury ended Duvernay’s season in December 2022, and the Ravens operated aggressively to stock their wideout group in 2023. As a result of the Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor additions (and Rashod Bateman staying healthy), Duvernay has caught just four passes for 18 yards in his contract year.
Tylan Wallace made a memorable contribution in Duvernay’s stead this season, notching a walk-off punt return to lift the Ravens past the Rams. While Wallace has worked as Baltimore’s punt returner as of late, Duvernay should be expected to reclaim his role once activated. The Ravens have three weeks to activate Duvernay, but with the team having secured a first-round bye, it should be expected he will be back by the divisional round.
More must-reads: