Baltimore’s rebuilt offensive line passed its first test by creating the foundation for 506 total yards and a 41-point performance. The next examination comes against a New Orleans front that recorded five sacks in its season opener and possesses enough depth to pressure Lamar Jackson from several alignments.
The Ravens’ first priority is determining who will be available.
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard John Simpson missed the first two practices of the week because of toe and groin injuries, respectively. Their status will be worth watching through Friday’s final injury report, as Simpson was dressed and appeared ready to participate. Stanley and Simpson started alongside rookie right guard Vega Ioane, left guard Jovaughn Gwyn, and right guard Roger
Rosengarten in the 41-23 victory over Indianapolis. The group helped Derrick Henry rush for 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries.
.@_JohnSimpson back at practice‼️ pic.twitter.com/TheFJLrHC3
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 18, 2026
Jackson added 43 rushing yards as Baltimore established the physical identity Declan Doyle wanted for his new offense.
The performance was not clean.
Baltimore’s offense committed 10 penalties for 86 yards. Gwyn had a holding penalty that erased Ja’Kobi Lane’s apparent touchdown, while Ioane was called for holding twice. One of Ioane’s penalties wiped out a first down.
The Ravens also failed on fourth down in the red zone after a communication breakdown allowed Grover Stewart to come through the interior unblocked. Those errors didn't keep Baltimore from winning comfortably, but New Orleans has the personnel to make similar mistakes more costly. Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan and Anfernee Jennings form an experienced group of edge defenders. Young, Granderson and Jennings each recorded a sack against Detroit. Colby Wooden and linebacker Danny Stutsman also contributed one apiece as the Saints finished with five. Young nearly created a defensive touchdown when he hit Jared Goff’s throwing arm. The play was initially ruled a fumble and returned for a score before replay determined Goff had begun a forward passing motion.
That moment showed the problem Young can create off the edge.
Granderson brings length and power from the opposite side, while Jordan remains capable of disrupting a game after 15 NFL seasons. Jordan was listed as a limited participant Thursday with a hamstring injury, so his status is worth monitoring. New Orleans can also attack inside with Davon Godchaux, Nathan Shepherd, Vernon Broughton and Wooden. Kaden Elliss gives defensive coordinator Brandon Staley another pressure option from linebacker.
The Saints’ objective will be preventing Baltimore from controlling the game with Henry.
New Orleans allowed Detroit to rush for 165 yards and average 5 yards per attempt during its 31-30 overtime loss. Jahmyr Gibbs gained 156 yards and scored twice, exposing a defensive front that struggled to prevent explosive runs once he reached open space.
Baltimore has the personnel to create similar problems. Henry’s power demands additional defenders near the line, while Jackson’s mobility forces the backside defender to remain disciplined. That conflict can create favorable angles for Baltimore’s blockers before the handoff. The Ravens cannot allow New Orleans’ five-sack opener to turn this game into a series of obvious passing situations. Establishing Henry, staying out of third-and-long, and avoiding holding penalties would keep the Saints from unleashing their full pressure package.
Baltimore’s offensive line showed considerable potential in Indianapolis. Its Week 2 challenge is proving that performance can be repeated despite injuries, a short-handed receiving corps, and a Saints front capable of attacking from every direction.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens offensive line faces New Orleans’ veteran defensive front
