Harper, Six Others Join Ravens Practice Squad

Wide receiver Justin Harper, a seventh-round draft choice in 2008 who impressed the Ravens in training camp this season but had trouble holding onto the ball in preseason games, was signed to the practice squad Sunday.

The Ravens kept just four wide receivers on the active roster, but also signed undrafted rookie Eron Riley (6 feet 3, 205 pounds, Duke) to the practice squad along with the 6-3, 215-pound Harper of Virginia Tech.

Others signed by the Ravens to the practice squad: safety K.J. Gerard (6-1, 192, Northern Arizona); offensive linemen Bryan Mattison (6-2, 295, Iowa); Joe Reitz (6-7, 305, Western Michigan) and Stefan Rodgers (6-5, 317, Lambuth) and outside linebacker William VanDeSteeg (6-4, 256, Minnesota).

One of the Ravens' 2009 draft choices waived Saturday, running back Cedric Peerman, a sixth-round pick from Virginia, was signed by the Cleveland Browns. Another, tight end Davon Drew, a fifth-round pick from East Carolina, was signed by the Miami Dolphins.

The Ravens still have room for one more player on the practice squad.