OWINGS MILLS — Far too quiet for the majority of the preseason and displaced for now as the Baltimore Ravens’ third wide receiver, Demetrius Williams took advantage of his increased playing time against the Atlanta Falcons.
After falling behind Kelley Washington on the depth chart, Williams started with Washington being rested Thursday night and caught a game-high four passes for 77 yards during the Ravens’ 20-3 victory in the preseason finale at the Georgia Dome.
“It felt good to get out there and get the rhythm back,” Williams said. “We did a good job as an offense just making plays and keeping drives going.”
Williams caught three passes for 38 yards in the Ravens’ opening touchdown drive as he converted a pair of third downs and positioned the Ravens for a score with a key 19-yard reception. Plus, he drew a 26-yard pass interference penalty. In the third quarter, Williams hauled in a 39-yard John Beck pass.
It still might not be enough for Williams, who hasn’t been very productive this preseason, to overtake Washington.
“I would say that we alternate the work,” Williams said. “The coaches want to give different guys the work.”
RAVENS WANTED ANDERSON BACK: In the wake of former Pro Bowl offensive tackle Willie Anderson deciding to retire in May due to issues with his knee and foot, the Ravens tried to convince him to play again.
However, Anderson plans to stay retired at this point.
“Just had to inform Ravens’ coaching staff and management that for now I’m staying retired,” Anderson wrote on his Twitter account. “They’ve been in talks with me since May about coming back. I wanted to come back too! …
“Not saying that down the line if they need [me], I won’t come back. I know I can play for 3 more years so who knows what may happen down the line.”
The Ravens would like to upgrade their depth behind starters Jared Gaither and Michael Oher, with Oniel Cousins and Joe Reitz operating as the current backups.
There have also been trade rumors surrounding former Ravens offensive tackle Tony Pashos, who’s been mentioned as a potential victim of the roster crunch.
Anderson, who started 11 games for the Ravens last season as well as all three playoff games, owns Fatburger restaurant franchises in Atlanta and Cincinnati. He’s also involved in the music business, managing artists.
QUICK HIT: Cousins was held out of the Falcons game due to his sprained ankle, but he thinks he’ll play in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“It’s better,” he said. “It’s close. I’ll be ready for the first game.”
