Dez Bryant joins Ravens practice squad after 2-year hiatus

Former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant has moved one step closer to playing in NFL again.

31-year-old Bryant signed with Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday and has been assigned to practice squad.

Bryant last played in 2017, when he had 69 catches for 838 yards in his eighth and final season in Dallas. He signed with New Orleans in vember 2018, but tore his Achilles tendon before getting into a game.

w he’s on cusp of getting back on field.

Bryant said on Twitter : “My emotions running high right w... I’m thankful...I can’t stop crying.”

If he's retained his speed and is t too rusty, Bryant could add a much-needed deep threat to a Baltimore passing attack that currently ranks 31st in yards per game. Second-year receiver Marquis Brown is currently quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most prominent target for long ball.

Drafted 24th overall by Dallas in 2010, Bryant was selected to Pro Bowl in 2013, 2014 and 2016. He has 531 catches for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns.

After scoring a career-high 16 TDs in 2014, Bryant endured two straight injury-shortened seasons before playing in 16 games in 2017.

He put up some impressive numbers with Dallas, but was sometimes perceived as a distraction because of his outbursts on sideline during games and in locker room. He was released by Cowboys in April 2018.

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was asked Monday what addition of Bryant could mean for team. His reply: “That would be cool. He’s been around league for a long, long time. I’m excited to meet him, get around him hopefully. Just learn everything you can from a guy like that because y’ve done it and y’ve been re. It’s super exciting for me.

Baltimore waived safety Marcus Gilchrist from practice squad to make room for Bryant.

Im credits: AP