OT Brandon Knight explains decision to not report to Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens claimed offensive tackle Brandon Knight off of waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. He was expected to provide depth on a Baltimore offensive line that has been decimated by injuries over the first six weeks of the 2021 season. However, the Ravens announced on Wednesday that they had placed Knight on the Reserve/Did Not Report list after he failed to report to the team.

On Thursday evening, Knight put out a statement on Twitter explaining his decision to not report. He said that he is taking a break from football for the time being to address his mental health, but is looking forward to playing next year.

Now that Knight has expressed his intent to sit out the remainder of the 2021 season, Baltimore will have to look for outside help at tackle elsewhere if they want to add anyone else at the position. The team is already dealing with the loss of All-Pro Ronnie Stanley, and his replacement on the left side in Alejandro Villanueva is dealing with a knee injury himself. The Ravens also have Patrick Mekari, Andre Smith, David Sharpe and others as options on both their active roster and their practice squad. Tyre Phillips could also act as an emergency tackle if needed.

On the Reserve/Did Not Report list, Knight will not count against Baltimore’s 53-man roster, nor will he count against the salary cap for the club.