Ronnie Stanley was in the lineup Sunday night, but he shared the workload at left tackle.
The All-Pro rotated with Patrick Mekari as they alternated the first four offensive possessions. Stanley started and played Baltimore's entire 10-play opening drive that resulted in a field goal. He gave way to Mekari on the second series, but re-entered the game on Baltimore's third possession.
Mekari saw most of the action in the second half, and sharing time was a pre-planned way to ease Stanley back into action. He was playing his first game of the season and only his second game since his serious ankle injury in 2020 that has required two major surgeries.
Stanley was happy with how the night went, particularly since the Ravens prevailed, 19-17, over the Bengals.
"Last time I was on this field, terrible, terrible things happened," Stanley said. "So, to be able to come back here and be able to be a productive member of the team and help us win, [feels great]."
Stanley received a loud ovation in pre-game introductions as the crowd at M&T Bank Stadium enthusiastically welcomed him back. He only played one game in 2021 before returning to the injured list and undergoing more surgery. However, Stanley feels much better about his health this year and is looking forward to returning to All-Pro form.
"Everything feels good. A little soreness, but nothing major," Stanley said. "I think it's only going to get better from here.
"I thought I played pretty good for the snaps that I had. I just went in with zero doubts about my ability, and I think that was a big difference from last year – to be going in fully confident."
Head Coach John Harbaugh thought Stanley looked solid and praised the entire offensive line for handling the rotation well.
"He seemed like he looked really good; I'm looking forward to seeing the tape," Harbaugh said. "I know he felt like he played well. That was the plan; we had a certain rotation planned, and they stuck to it throughout the whole game. Pat Mekari deserves a lot of credit, [and] the rest of the offensive line, too."
Stanley wasn't on the field for Baltimore's game-winning drive, and he admitted it was tough to watch the game being decided from the sideline. But he knew the plan going into the game, and he credited Mekari for his play.
"I definitely want to be out there for my team," Stanley said. "That was our plan going into this game – was the whole pitch count thing. But Pat Mekari did a great job, and I have full trust [in him] and zero doubts in his ability. I'm very happy that we pulled out the win."
