In Baltimore, the Ravens find themselves facing early-season adversity with two key offensive linemen sidelined due to injuries: left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum.
The veteran and the sophomore were listed in the team's Wednesday injury report and they were absent from yesterday's practice too, signaling their uncertain availability for upcoming games.
Coach Harbaugh, addressing the situation, acknowledged the duo's week-to-week status, hinting at the possibility of them missing next Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.
With those two most probably missing at least one game, the Ravens will have to rely on their depth and call on other linemen to step up and fill the void.
The two most prominent candidates are swing tackle Patrick Mekari (expected to man the left tackle position) and natural center Sam Mustipher, the only true backup at the position in the Ravens' roster.
Should the Ravens try to steal La'el Collins from the Bengals after they cut him?
Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, the Bengals made a significant roster transaction on Tuesday by releasing offensive tackle La’el Collins (per ESPN) from the physically unable-to-perform list.
Collins, a seasoned veteran with vast experience, simply became a cap casualty for the Bengals, with his large salary and injury concerns making his departure a financial decision more than one based on a lack of talent.
The tackle had a $9.3 million cap hit this year and the Bengals saved $7.7 million by cutting him. He’s 30 and he suffered an ACL tear last winter as well as some back issues. Collins, however, was closer than ever to coming back to the field before getting cut.
The question now is whether or not the Ravens pounce on the opportunity and land Collins.
Although he had a rollercoaster season in Cincinnati last year, Collins's availability has already piqued the interest of several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots (according to Mark Daniels of MassLive) who are conducting due diligence in considering him as a potential addition.
For Baltimore, the chance to bolster their offensive line with Collins is a tempting prospect, given the uncertainties surrounding their injured linemen.
Stanley and Linderbaum are week-to-week, Harbaugh said Monday. "They could be out this game, and we'll be counting on the guys if they are out to step up and play," Harbaugh added on Wednesday.
While not a surefire starter, let alone one if/when Stanley comes back, Collins could be a good body to have around if he proves he's back from his injury and fully available to take as many snaps as possible. This signing would also depend on how close to a return Collins is, and for how long Stanley will be sidelined.
If Collins can't prove that, though, the Ravens should pass on the chance and avoid adding more damaged goods to their roster while trusting the healthy players already within the organization, such as Mekari and Mustipher.