“Next man up” is a cliché, yet true, manta that has unfortunately become part of the daily lexicon around the Ravens Under Armour Performance Center this season.
It started when some key veterans departed in the offseason, and it became even more prevalent with player after player falling to injuries (17 now on injured reserve).
That has required many Ravens to step into larger roles.
Here are some who have answered the call in recent games:
Since Steve Smith Sr. went down with a season-ending Achilles tear, Aiken has been the Ravens’ top target.