It’s still strange to see wide receiver Dez Bryant in a Baltimore Ravens uniform. Especially when he’s essentially been out of the league for nearly three years. But Bryant was on the field for Baltimore Sunday — the second time he’s been elevated from the practice squad this season — and he made the most of it.
Bryant’s first reception since 2017 came in the third quarter. It was a simple quick reception but Bryant showed good acceleration and strength to quickly get upfield and hand fight with a defender to earn all four of those yards. While it wasn’t anything you’ll see on a highlight reel, it’s a pretty big deal for a player who many viewed as “obsolete,” as well as for the Ravens, the team that took a chance on him.
First NFL catch since 2017 by @DezBryant 💜
Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/Da5QnWDLgC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 22, 2020
Bryant had been active one other game earlier this season but saw just two offensive snaps. This time around, Bryant got a large chunk of playing time and turned in a pretty solid performance, catching four of five targets for 28 yards. Though that stat line is nothing to write home about by itself, Bryant was open for much of the game and could have had a far better day if quarterback Lamar Jackson had seen him more often.
Baltimore seems to be taking baby steps with their veteran receiver. But if they can keep getting Bryant involved in the offense, allowing him to find his comfort level and maybe even a bit of his old swagger, we could see more of the old Dez soon enough.
