Harbaugh alludes to changes along Ravens offensive line for Week 3 tilt in Dallas

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After another week of scrutiny for the Ravens offense line amidst an 0-2 start, head coach John Harbaugh suggested changes could be coming for Sunday’s tilt in Dallas.

After using the same starting five since the start of training camp with the exception of second-round rookie Roger Rosengarten rotating in a little bit behind starting right tackle Patrick Mekari, Baltimore appears ready to pivot to a different five-man alignment against the Cowboys. Of course, the Ravens said farewell to three offensive line starters from last year’s 13-4 team in the offseason when starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson left via free agency and right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets.

The revamped group has struggled in both pass protection and run blocking with the latter being the more glaring issue in losses to Kansas City and Las Vegas.

“We are a work in progress. It’s still competition. It’s still up in the air for certain spots,” Harbaugh said following Friday’s practice. “That’s part of it. We’re going to go into this game and play the game, and I’m really excited because I think we’re going to play great. I think our offensive line is going to play great. You have to believe that and feel that way, and I’m looking forward to it. And you probably will see some different guys in spots, so that’s just part of it.”

With starting right guard Daniel Faalele drawing the harshest criticism, fans and media alike have asked about the possibility of 2021 third-round pick Ben Cleveland assuming that spot, but Harbaugh stated plainly early in the week that Cleveland hadn’t beaten out Faalele for the job during training camp. For that reason, it would be tough envisioning the head coach pivoting so quickly in that direction.

The other option could be moving Mekari inside since the versatile veteran is capable of playing all five offensive line spots and started three games at right guard during the 2020 season, the year after eight-time Pro Bowl selection Marshal Yanda retired. Mekari moving to right guard would open right tackle for Rosengarten, who showed encouraging growth from Week 1 to Week 2.

“That’s the thing about Pat. Pat can play all five spots, and he has,” Harbaugh said. “That’s a valuable thing. That’s part of why he’s at right tackle the first two games. That’s a valuable thing.” 

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The Ravens also have veteran newcomer Josh Jones, who started a total of 24 games at right guard and left tackle with Arizona and Houston from 2021-23.

Week 3 injury report

The Ravens are in good shape from an injury perspective for their meeting with the Cowboys as rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion) appears to be the only real question mark.

On Thursday, Wiggins returned to practice for the first time since being involved in a car accident last week and being deactivated for the home opener, but the first-round pick out of Clemson still hadn’t been cleared for contact for Friday’s workout. He wore a red vest over his practice jersey, which signals no contact for any player who hasn’t fully advanced through the concussion protocol.

“He was in everything [and] had the red jersey on, but he was full go in terms of moving around and everything,” Harbaugh said. “I thought he looked great, so it’s up to the doctors and the protocol, and we’ll see how that shakes out.”

In addition to Wiggins, the Ravens listed outside linebacker David Ojabo (quad) and return specialist Deonte Harty (calf) as questionable, but both practiced fully on Friday, an indication that they’ll be ready to play.

The Ravens didn’t give Kyle Hamilton a game status designation for Week 3 despite the All-Pro safety missing Wednesday’s practice with a back issue. After participating fully Friday, Hamilton said he’s “feeling good” while admitting frustration dealing with several nagging injuries going back to spring workouts.

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“It’s been kind of annoying a little bit even starting in the spring with the elbow [surgery],” Hamilton said. “I kind of fell behind the 8-ball a little bit. I had to work that much harder, come in earlier, get treatment, get treatment after practice — stuff like that.” 

The Ravens ruled out offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu with a personal matter that kept him off the practice field for the entire week.

Nose tackle Mazi Smith (back) is the only Cowboys starter whose status is in question for Sunday after he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was a limited participant on Friday.

Below is the final injury report for Week 3:

BALTIMORE
OUT: OL Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (personal)
QUESTIONABLE: WR Deonte Harty (calf), OLB David Ojabo (quad), CB Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion)

DALLAS
QUESTIONABLE: WR Jalen Brooks (ankle), DT Mazi Smith (back), TE John Stephens (hamstring)

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Hill signs contract extension

Coming off a career season last year, running back Justice Hill has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension worth a reported $6 million.

Despite playing mostly special teams over his first two seasons and missing all of 2021 with a torn Achilles tendon sustained days before the start of the regular season, the 2019 fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma State has emerged as a valuable No. 2 back who excels in pass protection and makes plays as a receiver out of the backfield.

“It definitely was hard. There were some points in there where you just didn’t know, and I just wanted to keep pressing and just fight through adversity,” said Hill about his journey to this point. “I knew if I just stayed diligent, then I would get rewarded. It was definitely a long journey, but we got here, and we’ll be able to make some plays. I’m definitely grateful.”

Hill rushed for 387 yards and caught 28 passes for 206 yards last season.