It’s been a tough offseason and now this part of the team has become John Harbaugh’s puzzle.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The versatility of Patrick Mekari could be an important asset for the Baltimore Ravens this season.
He has shown that he can play both tackle and guard, positions in which the Ravens face some uncertainty. “I just want to play and I want to help the team,” Mekari said. “However that looks like, that’s up to the coaches and the front office.”
The offensive line of Baltimore lost three starters in the offseason, making that unit perhaps the biggest uncertainty facing the team in 2024. The Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum All-Pro returns as center Ronnie Stanley returns at left tackle, but the other three spots are up for grabs.
Lamar Jackson’s offensive line has been decimated by injuries in the offseason. AP Photo/Nick Wass
Subscribe to Disney+!
You can now enjoy all of ESPN’s sports on Disney+. Subscribe NOW.
Coach John Harbaugh He has said he would like to have clarity on the offensive line before the first preseason game, which is Friday of next week.
“You want that to be the case. Is that realistic? I don’t know, maybe, but that’s the best-case scenario,” Harbaugh said recently. “I don’t necessarily expect it to be the case — the game is important. So if you go into that first week with a good idea, and the game confirms everything for you, then you’re in a good position. If it’s not, then you’re OK. You keep working with guys as you go.”
Los Ravens They traded the tackle Morgan Moseswhile the guards Kevin Zeiler y John Simpson They left as free agents. Baltimore took the tackle from Washington, Roger Rosengartenin the second round of the draft, and some candidates within the team could be ready for bigger roles.
Mekari has always had an important job with the Ravensseveral, in fact. In addition to his ability to play guard and tackle, he can also fill in at center if needed. Harbaugh indicated that his versatility could work against him in some ways.
“He doesn’t always get the opportunity to secure a position,” Harbaugh acknowledged.
Last year, the Ravens They used a seventh round pick on Andrew Vorheeswho has recovered from a torn ACL. He did not play at all last season, but is now an option at guard.
Another lineman from Baltimore who has waited patiently for a bigger role is Daniel Faale2.03 meters tall and 172 kilograms, who has been a starter once in two seasons in the NFL. Previously a tackle, he also has a chance at guard now. In addition, the guard Ben Cleveland returns after starting several games last season.
In Mekari’s case, he has been able to focus as a right tackle, but that can always change.
2024-08-03 01:26:22
#Baltimore #offensive #line #losing #starters
