Baltimore Ravens Former All-Pro Offensive Lineman Returns to Practice

The Baltimore Ravens may get a boost to their offensive line just in time for the 2022 NFL season. The team shared footage of star offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley lining up for drills at Sunday's practice:

79 on the practice field alert 🚨@megatronnie pic.twitter.com/72nRXfcJ7z
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 5, 2022

Stanley has been sidelined with a troublesome ankle injury that dates back to 2020. His return to practice today marks his first action of the preseason and ignites hopes that he might be ready in time for the season opener. Stanley remains the team's highest-paid player with an average annual payout of $19.75 million, though quarterback Lamar Jackson may have something to say about that soon enough.

Stanley was a pivotal cog in a dominant 2019 NFL season for the Ravens, earning All-Pro recognition and a fantastic 88.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. The Ravens promptly rewarded his play with a massive extension, but injuries quickly derailed his incredible promise: since signing his deal in 2020, he has missed a heartbreaking 25 of a possible 27 games. Should he regain his form, the Ravens could potentially pick up where they left off during his last healthy season; the team led the league in scoring, rushing yards, and passing touchdowns on its way to a 14-2 record in 2019, but has regressed in all three categories in each year since.

Photo Credit: © Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports