OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Devin Hester worked out for the Baltimore Ravens for a second straight day, and the team is still deciding whether to sign one of the NFL's all-time great returners.
"We have to decide whether that's the best thing for our team and weigh it against the other players that will be up for that spot," coach John Harbaugh said after Saturday's practice. "There are a lot of layers to these decisions."
The need for Hester likely increased after the Ravens injury-waived Michael Campanaro and will likely waive Keenan Reynolds, both of whom were the team's primary returners this summer.
The Ravens have been disappointed with their returners this summer. Campanaro was the presumed leader in the competition, but he has struggled to stay healthy. Reynolds, who played quarterback at Navy, has had trouble fielding kicks.
"It's in the hands of Ozzie [Newsome, general manager] right now in terms of what Ozzie decides to do," Harbaugh said, "and of course it will have an impact on our roster."
Hester underwent surgery on his right big toe in January, and the expected recovery time was three to six months. He broke broke one of the two sesamoid bones, which act as a pulley for tendons.
The Ravens gave a full physical to Hester on Friday, and Harbaugh declined to disclose whether Hester passed it.
Hester, 33, was released by the Atlanta Falcons on July 26. He holds the NFL record for return touchdowns (20) and the league record for punt return touchdowns (14).
"He's a proven returner, both as a kick returner and a punt returner," Harbaugh said. "He's in the back end of his career, certainly, so you got to factor that into your decision. That will be up to Ozzie."
