The Baltimore Ravens made it official following their Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley’s season is over after suffering what coach John Harbaugh described as a “severe ankle injury” in the first quarter against the Steelers.
Stanley had just signed a five-year contract extension on Friday, making him the second-highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL. However, the loss means significantly more to Baltimore than just financials.
Stanley had been one of the best tackles in the game since being selected by the Ravens in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but had really impressed since last season. Stanley allowed no sacks in either 2019 or the first six games of the 2020 season, according to Pro Football Focus. His six pressures allowed last year put him alongside and even above former Baltimore and Pro Football Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden.
Replacing that type of production is nearly impossible as the Ravens have found out this season following right guard Marshal Yanda’s retirement. But Stanley was also an integral part of Baltimore’s offense from a leadership perspective, a role he excitedly took on more this season.
Stanley took to Twitter following the game to get out some of his thoughts and say he’ll overcome this challenge.
So many emotions running thru my head. I’m thankful for all the love and support. I hate feeling like i let my brothers down. What I do know is God doesn’t make mistakes and I’m grateful for the bad days just as much as the good. Just another challenge to overcome. Truzzz 🙏🏾🧘🏾♂️🙏🏾
— Ronnie Stanley (@megatronnie) November 1, 2020
Not only did the Ravens lose and now have to answer some questions about how good they really are this year, they now have to replace an All-Pro player to help protect the reigning MVP in Lamar Jackson.
