12:09pm: In addition to confirming the release of Brown, the Ravens have announced three other roster moves. According to a press release, the team has activated defensive tackle Terrence Cody from the physically unable to perform list and promoted rookie cornerback Tramain Jacobs from the practice squad. To create that second opening on the 53-man roster, Baltimore cut tight end Phillip Supernaw.
10:14am: The Ravens gave up six passing touchdowns to Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday night, and now one Baltimore defensive back is seeing the hammer fall. Per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link), the Ravens are releasing cornerback Chykie Brown. A fifth-round pick in 2011, Brown has spent the entirety of his four-year career in Baltimore.
The 27-year-old Brown has played in 46 games over the course of his career, starting two, including this year’s season opener against the Bengals. He’s registered eight tackles on the season, and received mostly negative grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) — the more snaps he was forced to play, the worse his production became. It’s possible that Brown is a viable reserve defensive back, but it’s fair to say that he shouldn’t be a starting CB. Because he’s a vested four-year veteran, he won’t have to pass through waivers, meaning he is now a free agent.
It’s a little surprising that the Ravens would cut Brown loose, given that No. 1 corner Jimmy Smith is out for several weeks with a foot injury, while Lardarius Webb is also dealing with health concerns. Nevertheless, Baltimore now has an open roster spot, so look for the club to sign a replacement in the near future.