One of the early candidates to become the Ravens' starting left guard is no longer in the race.
The Ravens have traded 2016 fourth-round pick Alex Lewis to the New York Jets, reportedly in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2020 draft. Lewis has passed his physical and is now a Jet.
Alex Lewis announced he was released by the Ravens in a Monday morning Instagram post, but transactions aren't official until 4 p.m. and teams can call before to offer a trade.
Lewis had been on the Physically Unable to Perform list recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, but he was expected to join training camp this week.
He passed his physical examination Saturday, according to the NFL transaction wire, which would have made him eligible to participate in Monday's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Thank you to the Baltimore Ravens for drafting me back in 2016 and giving me an opportunity to play in the NFL," Lewis wrote on Instagram. "It has been a memorable three years. Appreciate all my teammates and coaches I have met along the way. Loved the atmosphere of Baltimore and the amazing fans that supported us! Unfortunately, I was released today. Thank you Baltimore! As one door closes another opens."
Lewis has had several setbacks due to injuries. He missed the entire 2017 season with a shoulder injury. Lewis opened last season as the starting left guard, but suffered a neck injury in Week 6 and missed six games.
Lewis' exit leaves Jermaine Eluemunor, James Hurst, and fourth-round pick Ben Powers competing to start at left guard in the most competitive camp roster battle for a starting spot. All three have taken reps with the starters.
Hurst may have the edge due to his experience. Hurst is in his sixth season and started games at both right tackle and left guard last season. However, the Ravens love Hurst's versatility as a potential backup, because he can play either guard or tackle. He's been primarily taking reps as the No. 2 right tackle behind Orlando Brown Jr. and is listed on the first depth chart there.
Eluemunor, who is listed as the starting left guard on the first depth chart, or Powers have a chance to win the starting job, but Head Coach John Harbaugh said last week that the competition remained open.
"You want somebody to take the reins," Harbaugh said. "Now, if more guys take the reins and make it tough on us, that would be even better. But, we're not there yet."
