Baltimore Ravens still not sure if Eugene Monroe will play

Eugene Monroe (75) blocks during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens have a new, top-notch left tackle on their hands in Eugene Monroe following a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this week, but the Ravens could hold Monroe out of this week’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Olivier Vernon will be getting plenty of snaps against whoever the Ravens play at left tackle, and the Dolphins have a deep, talented group of defensive ends. Cameron Wake, who is questionable on the injury report, is one of the league’s brightest stars, but he’s the right tackle’s responsibility.

Overall, the Ravens aren’t sure if Eugene Monroe is ready to make his debut with the team, and Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens will ask how comfortable Monroe is with the Ravens offense before deciding if the new left tackle should play. If the Ravens don’t think he’s ready yet, then it will be another week of starting underperforming and unreliable veteran LT Bryant McKinnie. He has talent, but he’s too inconsistent and isn’t nearly as dominant as Monroe is. His run blocking has also been criticized heavily by some, whereas Monroe is adept in both pass protection and run blocking.

Here’s what Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said, “He seems good, he seems sharp. He was here all night [Thursday] night with the offensive line guys. He was in here early this morning again and went through the practice and seemed like he knew what he was doing. I think we’re on schedule, but I’m not sure what the schedule is with a guy like that. This is kind of new to us.”

The Ravens are also expected to place Bryant McKinnie on the trade block, and I wonder if they are waiting for a final “ready” call on Monroe to get to work before entertaining offers for McKinnie.

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