Baltimore Ravens OT James Hurst’s opportunity, Brandon Carr’s honor and more pregame notes

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens (11-2) are scheduled to square off against the New York Jets (5-8) on Thursday night at 8:20 p.m., so here are a few notes and thoughts to help burn the time until kickoff.

James Hurst’s opportunity

For most of this season, his sixth in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman James Hurst has remained out of the public eye. He hasn’t started a game. He’s mostly played in garbage time. He’s an affable player but not a social media darling who draws attention to himself.

That’s why it’s easy to forget that this former undrafted backup has the fourth-largest salary cap number of any player on the NFL’s highest-scoring offense. Hurst counts $4.75 million against the Ravens’ cap this season and will make more in base salary in 2019 than MVP candidate quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Mark Ingram combined.

Tackle Ronnie Stanley, guard Marshal Yanda and wide receiver Willie Snead are the only players on the Ravens’ offense with larger cap numbers than Hurst, according to OverTheCap.com.

Thursday night, Hurst will likely stare down a chance to prove his worth.

The Ravens ruled Stanley, their star left tackle, as doubtful to play against the Jets because of a concussion. Hurst will almost surely start in Stanley’s place protecting Jackson’s blindside in Week 15 of an historical season in which the Ravens are positioned as Super Bowl favorites.

Hurst’s performance Sunday also could significantly alter the direction of his career. The 27-year-old has started at guard and tackle for Baltimore over the past few years and his versatility offers great value.

But the Ravens could save $2.5 million of cap space by cutting Hurst this offseason, a move that appears probable. Hurst’s showing against the Jets could help dictate whether his team moves closer to clinching the top seed in the AFC playoffs and whether he’ll remain on an NFL roster — in Baltimore or elsewhere — beyond this season.

Brandon Carr’s honor — and future

The Ravens on Thursday named Brandon Carr their nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for the second straight season, marking the latest in a long list of off-field honors for the 33-year-old cornerback.

On the field, Carr’s been an important part of the Ravens’ defensive turnaround this season because of his ability to fill different roles in the secondary. He’s played outside cornerback, inside corner and safety this year, providing defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale coveted flexibility.

Carr, who has started 189 straight games, is in line to make $7 million next season. Baltimore could save all of that money by releasing the respected veteran before the new league year starts in March.

It’s also logical that Carr will contemplate retirement after this season, especially if the Ravens take him to his first career Super Bowl.

The point here: Ravens fans should appreciate Carr’s contributions to the defense, to his teammates and to the community while they can.

Campanaro’s retirement

Former Ravens receiver and return specialist Michael Campanaro announced his retirement on Instagram on Thursday. A Maryland native, Campanaro played for the Ravens from 2014 to ‘17, catching 31 passes and returning 37 punts. He finished his tenure in Baltimore with four touchdowns — two on receptions, one on a rushing attempt and one on a punt return.

Campanaro, 28, signed with the Titans before the 2018 season but landed on injured reserve and never played in a game for Tennessee. He was not on a roster this season.

MORE PREGAME READING:

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.

Aaron Kasinitz covers the Baltimore Ravens for PennLive and can be reached at akasinitz@pennlive.com or on Twitter @AaronKazreports. Follow PennLive’s Ravens coverage on Facebook and Youtube.