Ravens: 4 things we learned from the team’s preseason opener

3. Ravens offensive line struggles with missing pieces

Lamar Jackson’s second bout with COVID-19 has not been the only significant absence the Ravens’ offense has suffered in the run-up to the 2021 season.

In fact, it may not even be the most devastating. At least Jackson recovered quickly and was back on the field within two weeks.

Kevin Zeitler, Ronnie Stanley, and Bradley Bozeman — three-fifth of the Ravens’ starting offensive line — may not be so lucky.

Zeitler (right guard) and Stanley (left tackle) both missed the game against New Orleans due to foot injuries suffered during practice. Things got even worse during the first quarter when center Bradley Bozeman suffered his own ankle injury which forced him to leave the game.

Fortunately, X-rays of Bozeman’s ankle turned out negative, so the injury may not be that serious. In addition, third-round pick Ben Cleveland did not even suit up for the game for “undisclosed reasons.”

The results of this offensive line reshuffling were lackluster, as the Ravens’ offense could hardly put anything together in the first half with Trace McSorley behind center.

The usually-dominant running game suffered, as J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill combined for just eight yards on eight carries. Although the Ravens’ defense forced four turnovers in the half, all the offense could make out of them were two field goals.

The offensive line woes, along with injuries to wide receivers Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin, are proof that 2021 will be no cakewalk for the Ravens’ offense.