Baltimore Ravens former first-round pick and starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game in Green Bay. Stanley has been an outstanding tackle since joining the Ravens in 2016. With the loss of Pro Bowl right guard, Marshal Yanda, Stanley has been Baltimore’s best healthy offensive lineman. His absence would be an all but devastating blow to the struggling Ravens offense. Aside from Yanda, the Ravens are already missing guard Alex Lewis, guard Nico Siragusa, tackle Stephane Nembot, and center Brandon Kublanow to injury. Needless to say, the Ravens offensive line is thin.
With Stanley likely to be sidelined with a concussion in this critical matchup, the Ravens will have to find a temporary replacement. James Hurst is experienced at the tackle spot, as that is his true position. Hurst was moved to left guard after injuries decimated the offensive line this offseason. If Hurst is moved to left tackle, another player must take his starting position at left guard. Jermaine Eluemunor, the rookie guard, is likely to fill the role. Eluemunor has filled in for injured linemen this season and has done fairly well for a late round rookie. The other main contender is Luke Bowanko, who has also seen some action this season along the offensive line.
Although the Ravens have options to choose from to fill the vacancy, the offense will not get any better. Baltimore’s offense has struggled all season, and barring major changes to the scheme, will continue to do so. It is hard to imagine that whoever is in at left tackle will have an easy time blocking. This game is pivotal for the Ravens, as Baltimore needs to win at least 5 of their last 7 games to conceivably contend for a playoff berth. A win in Green Bay would bring the Ravens to a .500 record at 5-5 while serving as a great morale booster for the team. However, a loss in Green Bay would drop the Ravens to a 4-6 record, and all but kill Baltimore’s playoff hopes.
