Will Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley return to block Lamar Jackson’s blind side?

The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line has been a topic of discussion over the past few seasons, particularly when it comes to their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. As the centerpiece of the Ravens’ high-powered offense, Jackson’s success is often tied to the protection provided by his offensive line, especially his blindside protector, the left tackle. For the past few seasons, that role has been occupied by Ronnie Stanley, one of the league’s premier tackles, who has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and helped anchor the Ravens’ offense. However, the future of Stanley’s role has come under question in recent seasons due to his injury history, and fans and analysts alike are wondering whether Stanley will return to his full form and reclaim his spot as the left tackle, ensuring Jackson has the protection he needs to thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore Stanley’s current status, the challenges surrounding his return, and the potential impact his presence—or absence—could have on both the Ravens’ offense and Lamar Jackson’s future with the team.

Ronnie Stanley’s Injury History

One of the primary reasons for uncertainty surrounding Ronnie Stanley’s future as the Ravens’ left tackle is his injury history. Stanley was drafted by the Ravens as the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and for a time, he lived up to the high expectations placed on him. Over the first few years of his career, Stanley established himself as one of the best young tackles in the league. His ability to protect Lamar Jackson’s blindside was a key factor in the success of the Ravens’ offense, and Stanley earned Pro Bowl selections in both 2019 and 2020. His ability to block in both the passing and running game made him one of the most complete tackles in the NFL.

However, injuries began to plague Stanley, leading to concerns about his long-term viability in the NFL. In 2020, Stanley suffered a significant ankle injury that ultimately required surgery. He was forced to miss the second half of the season, and while the injury was initially expected to keep him out for a few weeks, it ultimately led to a more prolonged absence. By the time the Ravens were deep into the 2021 season, Stanley had yet to return to full health. This prompted questions about whether the team could rely on Stanley to be their long-term left tackle moving forward.

2021 saw more complications for Stanley as he continued to battle with the same ankle injury. Despite being cleared to play, Stanley’s inability to return to his peak form was a significant blow for the Ravens’ offensive line. His absence meant that the team was forced to rely on other players to protect Lamar Jackson’s blindside, and the instability along the offensive line was a major factor in the Ravens’ struggles to maintain consistent offensive production.

The Importance of Ronnie Stanley for Lamar Jackson’s Success

Lamar Jackson, as a dual-threat quarterback, relies heavily on solid protection from his offensive line. While Jackson’s mobility is one of his biggest strengths, his ability to make plays downfield still depends on his line giving him enough time to read the defense and make accurate throws. The Ravens’ offense is designed around Jackson’s unique skill set, and for it to function at its best, the team needs to keep him upright and give him time to execute the game plan.

Ronnie Stanley has been one of the best players at ensuring that Jackson has that protection. As a left tackle, Stanley’s primary responsibility is to block the opposing team’s most formidable pass rusher, usually the right defensive end or outside linebacker. The importance of the left tackle position cannot be overstated, as it protects the quarterback’s blindside—often the most vulnerable area of the field. In Stanley’s prime, his combination of strength, athleticism, and technique made him one of the most reliable blockers in the league.

Without Stanley in the lineup, the Ravens have struggled to maintain that same level of consistency on the offensive line. In his absence, other players have been forced to step up, and while some have performed admirably, none have been able to match Stanley’s level of play. The Ravens’ offensive line has been in a state of flux, which has led to more pressure on Jackson, making it difficult for him to perform at the level he did during his MVP season in 2019.

Stanley’s Potential Return: What’s the Outlook?

As of now, Ronnie Stanley’s return remains uncertain. The Ravens have been cautious with his recovery, and while there is hope that he can regain his previous form, the team has yet to fully commit to his return as their starting left tackle. Stanley has shown signs of improvement, but with injuries of this nature, the question remains whether he can stay healthy long enough to contribute at a high level over the course of an entire season.

The Ravens’ coaching staff has been careful not to rush Stanley back onto the field, as they understand the long-term implications of his injury. Stanley’s health is crucial not only for his career but also for the success of the team as a whole. It is likely that the Ravens will continue to monitor Stanley’s progress throughout the offseason, carefully evaluating his readiness to return to full-time action.

In the event that Stanley is able to return to the field, there are still questions about how quickly he can regain his pre-injury form. The toll that the ankle injury has taken on him may limit his mobility and strength, which are crucial attributes for a left tackle. The Ravens may opt to ease Stanley back into the lineup, giving him time to work through any lingering issues before he takes on a full workload.

The Potential Impact on Lamar Jackson

The return of Ronnie Stanley would undoubtedly have a positive impact on Lamar Jackson. As previously mentioned, Jackson’s ability to perform at an elite level is heavily dependent on the protection provided by his offensive line. If Stanley is healthy and able to return to his previous form, Jackson will have a significant boost in terms of pass protection. With one of the top left tackles in the game back in the fold, Jackson would be able to focus more on executing the offense and less on avoiding pressure from the defense.

However, if Stanley is unable to return to form or faces further setbacks, the Ravens will need to find other ways to compensate for the loss of their star left tackle. The coaching staff may be forced to shift their offensive game plan, relying more on Jackson’s legs to avoid pressure and extending plays with his mobility. This could increase the likelihood of Jackson taking unnecessary hits and potentially exposing himself to injury. The Ravens will need to be careful not to overburden Jackson, as his unique playing style makes him susceptible to injury without proper protection.

The Ravens’ Offensive Line and Potential Adjustments

The Ravens’ offensive line has been a work in progress over the past few seasons, and the uncertainty surrounding Stanley only adds to that challenge. Even if Stanley is unable to return to his previous form, the Ravens have a strong group of linemen that can help mitigate the impact of his absence. Players like Tyre Phillips, Ben Powers, and Kevin Zeitler provide a solid foundation for the team’s offensive line. However, none of these players possess the same level of skill and athleticism that Stanley brings to the table.

The team has also invested in young talent along the offensive line, hoping to develop future stars who can contribute immediately. With or without Stanley, the Ravens will likely continue to focus on strengthening their offensive line through both the draft and free agency, ensuring that they can provide Lamar Jackson with the protection he needs to succeed.

What Does This Mean for Lamar Jackson’s Future?

Lamar Jackson’s future with the Baltimore Ravens is undoubtedly tied to the health and performance of the offensive line, particularly the left tackle position. If Stanley can return to form, it would undoubtedly strengthen the Ravens’ chances of building a championship-caliber offense around Jackson. However, if Stanley is unable to return to full health, the team may need to consider other options, either in the form of a temporary replacement or by adjusting their offensive strategy to account for the lack of a premier left tackle.

In any case, the Ravens’ front office will likely continue to evaluate the situation carefully, taking into consideration both the current state of their offensive line and the long-term health of Lamar Jackson. Jackson is undoubtedly the face of the franchise, and the team will need to ensure that they provide him with the protection and resources he needs to succeed.