The questions about the Ravens' offensive line turned to prayers Wednesday with the news that Joe D'Alessandris, the Ravens' beloved offensive line coach, must step away from the team for medical reasons.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said D'Alessandris had surgery earlier this summer but complications have arisen and he was hospitalized over the weekend for an acute illness, which will require ongoing treatment for an extended period of time.
"It's a blow. He's a great football coach. He's beloved by the players, by the coaches," Harbaugh said after Wednesday's practice.
"He's a top game-planner, he's a top coach. He's a huge part of our offense. He's going to be missed very much, but we're going to be much more concerned about his health and his well-being going forward."
At the same time, the 2024 season goes on, and Harbaugh feels thankful the Ravens have found a strong coach to step in.
Harbaugh has hired George Warhop to be the Ravens' offensive line coach, tabbing a veteran with 40 years of coaching experience, including 27 in the NFL.
"He's been a great coach in this league," Harbaugh said. "We're very fortunate and blessed to have him come on board."
Warhop, 62, last spent the 2022 season as the Houston Texans' offensive line coach. Before that, he was the offensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2019-2021), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-2018), Cleveland Browns (2009-2013), San Francisco 49ers (2005-2008), Dallas Cowboys (2003-2004), Arizona Cardinals (1998-2002), and St. Louis Rams (1996-1997).
Now Warhop has the challenge of getting up to speed fast to lead an offensive line that is still figuring out three starting positions – all about three weeks before the Ravens and Chiefs kick off the regular season in Kansas City on Sept. 5.
"It's an interesting dilemma for sure. It's definitely not something I've ever been associated with," Harbaugh said. "I would just say by the grace of God, George Warhop is available. He's a guy that we've known for many years and respected."
Warhop and Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken worked together for three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-2018). Monken was his offensive coordinator in 2018. Harbaugh said other Ravens offensive coaches also have known and worked with Warhop in the past. Warhop doesn't know the Ravens' system in terms of the terminology, but Harbaugh is confident he can pick that up fast.
"He knows our techniques. He knows the style, the way we're running the plays, the principles of the plays. He's an experienced coach who knows that stuff inside and out," Harbaugh said. "So, he'll step right in and start working with those guys right away."
Baltimore has a group of young offensive linemen competing for the three open starting positions at left guard, right guard, and right tackle: Andrew Vorhees, Daniel Faalele, Ben Cleveland, Roger Rosengarten and others.
Now Warhop, alongside Assistant Offensive Line Coach Travelle Wharton, will be tasked with continuing to get that group ready for the 2024 season.
Lamar Jackson Won't Play in Second Preseason Game
Lamar Jackson won't play in Saturday's second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium, Harbaugh confirmed.
This comes as no surprise considering Jackson hasn't played in the preseason in a long time.
Harbaugh said it will be "case by case" on which projected starters will play Saturday afternoon, but it will generally follow the same plan Baltimore had for the preseason opener against Philadelphia.
Steve Wilks (And the Orioles) Watch Practice
Harbaugh spent a while at the beginning of practice chatting with Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde and players Gunnar Henderson, Craig Kimbrel, and Cedric Mullins.
There was another interesting guest on the Ravens sideline, as former defensive coordinator and head coach Steve Wilks was also watching practice.
Wilks was the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator in Super Bowl LVIII but was let go after their 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
"Steve's visiting certain teams here during training camp, and like coaches do, coaches like to get out and they like to learn – they like to research," Harbaugh said.
"Steve is another coach we have tremendous respect for. He's been a guy that we've known for a long time, and having him here and picking his brain a little bit – that was really cool, too."
