The Ravens have decided on their starting offensive line for Week 1, but Head Coach John Harbaugh isn't telling the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harbaugh said Monday that the competition at left guard, right guard, and right tackle has been decided. Andrew Vorhees (left guard), Daniel Faalele (right guard), and Roger Rosengarten (right tackle) started the final two preseason games and appear to be the favorites.
However, Harbaugh sees no reason to give the Chiefs an edge by letting them know his plans.
"We have (decided)," Harbaugh said. "I'm not going to make any announcements about any starting positions going into the Chiefs game. What would be the point? We're just going to go play the game."
Harbaugh did not rule out using a two-player rotation at guard or tackle. Patrick Mekari can play all five offensive line positions and has also taken first-team right tackle reps. Ben Cleveland has taken reps at right guard during training camp and the preseason.
"Sure, (rotating) definitely could be a possibility," Harbaugh said. "It's something that we did last year effectively. That's kind of a new strategy. Not many people have done that before. One of Joe D's (D'Alessandris) innovations."
Ravens Dedicating Season to D'Alessandris and Jacoby Jones
The passing of D’Alessandris on Sunday and former wide receiver Jacoby Jones last month has made this a difficult summer for the Ravens organization. Harbaugh said the 2024 season would be dedicated to both men.
"We want to honor [D'Alessandris] for sure with this season and we want to honor Jacoby Jones," Harbaugh said. "Those are two people we're going to dedicate our season to this year. Do everything we can to make them proud of us when they're watching, from where they're watching. We appreciate those two great men very much."
D'Alessandris' bond with the offensive linemen was particularly close, and they shared memories of him during Monday's meetings.
"Ronnie Stanley said some really good things," Harbaugh said. "Pat Mekari spoke to the team today about it. Those guys that have been with him for a long time, even the young guys were impacted by him, the rookies even. They were a little quieter today – locked in, as was the whole team, especially in the team meeting. His memory is going to be on our minds. It should be, and it should motivate us."
Injuries to Kyle Hamilton, Mark Andrews, Nelson Agholor Are 'Not Serious'
Kyle Hamilton, Mark Andrews, and Nelson Agholor were among those who didn't practice Monday, but Harbaugh expects them to be ready for Week 1.
"There's no serious injuries," Harbaugh said. "None of those guys have anything that's going to keep them out, unless something crops up that I don't know about."
Rookie running back Rasheen Ali and inside linebacker Josh Ross (car accident) are in concussion protocol. Rookie center Nick Samac (ankle sprain) returned to practice after leaving Saturday's preseason game in Green Bay.
Harbaugh said Ross' car accident wasn't major, but it's the second for a Ravens player in less than two weeks.
Decision on No. 3 Running Back Still Looms
With Ali in protocol, Owen Wright suffering a broken foot on Saturday, and Keaton Mitchell (knee) on PUP, the Ravens have a decision to make on a No. 3 running back behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. Harbaugh said the choice could come from the current roster or elsewhere. Undrafted rookie Chris Collier and veteran John Kelly are other backs on the roster.
"It just depends," Harbaugh said. "I like the guys in house. If there's something outside that looks really great I'm sure we'll look at it. It just depends on who the names are. It's like going for it on fourth down. What are your chances of getting it? Is it going or help you win the game or not?
"We'll be open to anything. If the right player becomes available, I'm quite sure (General Manager) Eric (DeCosta) will be looking at him. People aren't in the habit of getting rid of really great players right before the season starts."
Emergency No. 3 Quarterback Rule Change Could Impact Roster
The NFLPA voted down a rule that would have allowed an emergency third quarterback to come from the practice squad with unlimited call-ups, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Monday.
The emergency quarterback rule will revert to the 2023 parameters. An emergency third quarterback must be on the 53-man roster or be a standard weekly elevation.
Devin Leary and Emory Jones competed in preseason for the No. 3 quarterback spot. Harbaugh said the rule change could impact whether the Ravens carry two or three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.
"It sure could, it just depends," said Harbaugh, who said he first learned of the NFLPA's veto after Monday's practice. "They vetoed it for whatever good reason that they had, and we'll have to change our thinking on that."
