The Baltimore Ravens placed four players on injured reserve and cut 10 others, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 75 players. Here's a closer look at the first cuts:
Most significant move: There's no question here. It's placing tight end Benjamin Watson (Achilles) on injured reserve. He was going to be the Ravens' top tight end after coming off a career season. The Ravens will now rely on Dennis Pitta, who hasn't played since 2014; Crockett Gillmore, who missed six games last season and 17 days this training camp; and Maxx Williams, who has been out the past two preseason games.
Most significant development: The Ravens moved running back Lorenzo Taliaferro (foot) to the reserve-physically unable to perform list, which means he will miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season. This could turn out to be a shrewd move for the Ravens. If one of Baltimore's top four running backs (Justin Forsett, Terrance West, Kenneth Dixon and Buck Allen) goes down with an injury in mid-October, the Ravens can activate Taliaferro and get a fresh pair of legs. Taliaferro, who has averaged 4.2 yards per carry, has the potential to help out in short yardage and in the red zone.
Will the streak continue? Baltimore has had an undrafted rookie make the season-opening roster for 12 straight seasons. That is in jeopardy this year. After the first round of cuts, there are four undrafted rookies remaining on the Ravens: outside linebacker Victor Ochi, inside linebacker Patrick Onwuasor, defensive tackle Michael Pierce and center Matt Skura. It doesn't look like any of them will make the final cut, although all are candidates for the practice squad.
Ravens' moves: Placed TE Watson (Achilles), DE Bronson Kaufusi (ankle), CB Kyle Arrington (concussion) and OT Stephane Nembot (undisclosed) on injured reserve. Moved RB Taliaferro (foot) to reserve-PUP. Released LB Kavell Conner. Waived: G Jarrell Broxton, DT Trevon Coley, WR Dobson Collins, C Anthony Fabiano, WR Chuck Jacobs, QB Jerrod Johnson, LB Mario Ojemudia, WR Darius White, and K Wil Lutz.