Willis McGahee was informed he wasn’t going to play

BALTIMORE—Former Pro Bowl running back Willis McGahee(notes) was aware that he wasn't going to play during the Baltimore Ravens' 24-10 win over the New York Giants, but it wasn't because the organization was protecting him for a rumored trade.

McGahee, who has been the subject of unconfirmed trade speculation about cornerbacks like the Denver Broncos' Andre Goodman, was informed before the game by running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery that the team was going to use other backs.

Team officials said that the lack of playing time isn't a precursor to the trade and was done so other backs could be evaluated.

"Coach told me what was going on, so I knew what was happening," McGahee said. "I wasn't worried about it. I'm good."

The Ravens did the same thing with Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice(notes) during the first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

"We just don’t need to play those guys every single week," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Willis has gotten reps. He may or may not get some reps next week. I don’t think we need to see what Willis McGahee can do. He’s touched the ball during the preseason. He does in practice. He’s a veteran back, and we don’t need a lot of reps from him.”

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(sports.yahoo.com)