The Baltimore Ravens could use some certainty back along their offensive line. With Vega Ioane taking over at center for at least one game in Week 4, any sort of stability would be welcomed. Thankfully, Ronnie Stanley might have the opportunity to provide that.
Stanley missed last week’s game with a toe injury. For Sunday, though, he appears to be headed back in the right direction. He logged two limited participations in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was given a veteran rest day on Friday. It’s not a guarantee he plays, but he’s progressing back into game shape.
Head coach Jesse Minter also dropped a cautiously optimistic update on the veteran tackle’s status.
“I think he had a really good two days, and I think he’s in a good position,” Minter said. “We’ll see later today and tomorrow just to see how he’s feeling. But I do think he was able to get a good amount of work in.”
It sounds like Stanley could be in play for Baltimore’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Baltimore Ravens need Ronnie Stanley to return more than ever
Ronnie Stanley hasn’t been great this year — his 64.2 Pro Football Focus grade hovers around average play at best. Carson Vinson also looked decent in his first career NFL start. If Stanley needs an extra game off, the Ravens would likely be comfortable throwing Vinson out there again.
However, it’s not just about ability. It’s about experience and communication. That’s an area of certainty that Stanley can provide.
Stanley has 122 starts under his belt, a career that includes two Pro Bowl nods and one First-Team All-Pro honor. He’s been a player Lamar Jackson can trust for going on nine years now. And with the state of the offensive line, Jackson needs those players he can trust.
You best believe Stanley is going to know his assignment on every play, too. Potential issues getting everyone in the right spot are a valid concern to have with Vega Ioane lining up at center. And offensive coordinator Declan Doyle recently spoke about having the right guys out there to make life easy for Ioane and patch the holes that may come about.
Swapping out Vinson for Stanley would give the offensive line one less thing to worry about. He’s not only Baltimore’s best left tackle on the roster, but he’s also the longest-tenured Raven.
As the offensive line faces uncertainty, Stanley’s presence would help raise the floor. That group needs every extra bit of talent, as well—Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is going to be a massive challenge.
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