According to a team release, the Baltimore Ravens have designated Jay Higgins, a rookie undrafted linebacker who was not drafted by them, as a returnee from injured reserve. He returned to the practice field on Wednesday, but as a restricted participant.

Higgins (23), made the 53-man team out of training after a solid preseason performance on defense and specials teams. Pro Football Focus ranked him second in the team for tackles (ten with zero missed ones) and third for stops (5), according to Higgins. On two of his targets, he allowed short gains and a third time he came down with a pick. Higgins contributed to three pressures as well as a sack and a forced turnover.

In the regular season, he played a key role on special teams until a knee injury in Week 9 ended his career. The injury was not expected end his season but the team put him on IR without establishing a return date. He was eligible to come back last week but required one more week of rehabilitation before he could return.

Higgins returned at the right time. Both Chandler Martin and Teddye Buchanan, Ravens rookie linebackers, tore their ACLs during the Ravens last two games. Higgins could fill a spot on the special teams, and even play some defensive snaps.

John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, said that Trenton Simpson was a third-year linebacker who would replace Buchanan in 2024 next to Roquan. However, he failed to perform when asked to take on a larger role. Simpson’s performance during Smith’s absence in weeks 5 and 6 could have been improved with another year of experience.

Higgins may be given a few defensive snaps to test his abilities, possibly in certain situations. His lack of experience in regular season makes it unlikely that Higgins will take on more than a secondary role in the rotation.