SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Jason Babin took part in the Baltimore Ravens’ practice Wednesday with an eye toward playing Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
John Harbaugh said there’s every reason to believe the 35-year-old veteran could play.
The Ravens signed Babin on Tuesday as insurance after Terrell Suggs was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Babin played all 16 games for the New York Jets last season and was released during the preseason.
The Ravens are hoping to get him ready enough to add to the pass rush.
”They’re keeping it simple for now,” Babin said after the Ravens workout at San Jose State. ”They are sprinkling me in there. Basically, I just had an early bye week. I’m ready to rock and roll.”
Babin, one of the few veterans among the Jets’ linebackers, was out of a job for about 10 days.
”I couldn’t draw it up any better,” Babin said. ”I’ve always admired how the Ravens played. I liked their style. To be part of this defense is special to me.”
The feeling was mutual.
”He’ll provide us with another good player at that position,” Harbaugh said. ”I like the way he plays, I like his style, his mentality.”
Harbaugh said he studied his tape of the Jets game ”very carefully” and was convinced Babin would fit in.
”You’re not going to change what you do,” he said. ”You go get a player that fits into what you do.”
The two-time Pro Bowler fits in because he remains a premiere pass rusher. He’s appeared in every one of his team’s games for the past five years, averaging 10 sacks a year over that period.
”At this stage, it’s about terminology,” Babin said. ”I’ve played in this setting. I think they will put me in situations where I can just go.”
Babin said signing with a team that has a chance to make the playoffs figured into his decision to play for the Ravens.
”I was blown away by every aspect of how this organization goes about preparing to win every Sunday,” Babin said.
Linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who is preparing himself to take on a larger role, thinks Babin will make a difference.
”You can’t replace Suggs, but I’ve watched him play,” Dumervil said. ”He’s a veteran guy who knows how to rush the passer.”
Dumervil also said he’s ready to assume more responsibility.
”You always prepare yourself in case things happen,” Dumervil said. ”I’m confident my offseason training has prepared me to take advantage and help the team.”
Dumervil, who usually plays in obvious passing situations, will become a first and second linebacker as will.
”They throw the ball earlier too,” Dumervil said. ”There may be more opportunities to rush, which is what I love to do. I know the staff wants to stop the run and I’ll start with that. I will do my part. I’ve always felt anyone can be a better run player.”
NOTES: Suggs filled a role with the Ravens in the tradition of Ray Lewis in which he `hyped’ the team during pre-game. Quarterback Joe Flacco’s best guess at a replacement was ”someone on defense.” He explained that the team was always ready to play a game but ”if someone wants to do it, we’ll let him go at it.” … Flacco also said the Ravens will take their shots down field. ”If nothing else to let teams know we’re going to do it,” he said. ”When we call them, it gives us confidence to be able to go out and get it going.”
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