Ronnie Stanley Still Out for Wednesday's Practice, Recovery Timeline Unclear
Baltimore Ravens fans are anxiously awaiting the return of their Pro Bowl left tackle, Ronnie Stanley. However, Wednesday's practice brought no good news, as Stanley remained sidelined with his ankle injury. This continues a trend of limited practice participation since the beginning of the preseason, adding more uncertainty to his potential return for Week 1.
An Ongoing Saga
The Ravens have been cautious with Stanley's recovery, opting for a conservative approach to ensure his long-term health. He missed the majority of the 2021 season due to a serious ankle injury, and while he returned last year, he hasn't regained his pre-injury form.
While the team has not provided a specific timeline for his return, head coach John Harbaugh has expressed optimism that Stanley will be ready for the regular season.
"Ronnie's doing a great job. He's working hard. He's on a good path, so we'll see," Harbaugh said on Tuesday.
Impact on the Offensive Line
Stanley's absence has created a void on the offensive line, forcing the Ravens to shuffle players around. Patrick Mekari, a versatile offensive lineman, has been filling in at left tackle, but it's unclear if he can sustain that role over the long term.
The Ravens are known for their potent running game, and a reliable left tackle is critical to protecting Lamar Jackson's blindside and creating space for the running backs.
The Waiting Game Continues
With less than a month before the regular season begins, the Ravens face a critical decision regarding Stanley's status. They need to weigh the risk of rushing him back against the potential benefits of having their star tackle healthy and ready for the grueling season ahead.
The next few weeks will be crucial for determining Stanley's availability and the Ravens' plans for their offensive line heading into the 2023 season.
Keywords: Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens, left tackle, ankle injury, recovery, practice, Week 1, offensive line, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mekari, preseason, regular season