Ronnie Stanley injury a major blow to Ravens offense

Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley was carted off the field with an ankle injury.

Prior to a crucial Week 9 meeting with the Steelers, Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley was rewarded for his excellent play on the field with a five-year contract worth up to $98.75 million. Now he might be lost for the year.

Late in the first quarter against Pittsburgh with the score tied at 7-7, Stanley went down awkwardly on his ankle as T.J. Watt inadvertently took out his legs from behind. After being on the turf for quite some time, he was put in an air cast and carted off the field.

With the loss of their prolific left tackle, the Ravens now have right tackle Orlando Brown Jr. taking over for Stanley while former first-round pick D.J. Fluker will become the right tackle for as long as Stanley is out.

Losing Ronnie Stanley is huge for the Baltimore Ravens

This is a major blow to Stanley, whose play on the field warranted the massive extension. Furthermore, the Ravens offense, particularly their pass protection, took a turn for the worst. For any offense in the league, the key to success has and always will be the play from the men up front, particularly those who protect the blindside.

The Ravens offense is predicated on their ability to run the football while incorporating explosive plays in the passing game. A majority of that style of offense is predicated on the play of the left tackle.

With Stanley now out of the mixture, the pressure on reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson intensifies. The All-Pro out of Notre Dame has been a staple on the line amid Baltimore’s rise to prominence with Jackson as his blindside protector. Now without him, they will have to draw up some new looks.

The Ravens are still a strong team without the loss of Stanley. However, their chances of winning the division and possibly the conference have endured a setback.