The Baltimore Ravensare expected to have one of their most important offensive linemen available Thursday night, with rookie right guard Vega Ioane clearing the final injury report ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ioane missed Sunday's 36-10 loss to Buffalo because of a knee injury, but the first-round pick has made steady progress throughout the short practice week. The rookie was listed as limited Monday before participating fully Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving him without an injury designation for Thursday's game. His anticipated return comes at an important time for Baltimore, which will start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
Ravens projected starting offensive line
Vega Ioane's return could stabilize Ravens offensive line
Ioane entered the season as Baltimore's
starting right guard and quickly became an important member of an offensive line responsible for protecting Jackson and creating rushing opportunities for Derrick Henry. The rookie suffered an MCL sprain before missing the Buffalo game, forcing the Ravens to adjust their offensive line against one of the AFC's strongest opponents.
His expected return would add continuity to an offensive front that has dealt with injuries and inconsistent performances this season. Baltimore also received encouraging news regarding left tackle Ronnie Stanley, left guard John Simpson and right tackle Roger Rosengarten, who all participated fully Wednesday and do not carry game designations.
The potential availability of the starting group could help the Ravens establish a more consistent offensive approach.
Joe Fagnano needs protection in first NFL start
Fagnano will make his first career start against Jacksonville after replacing Huntley during Sunday's loss to Buffalo.
The former UConn quarterback completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with an interception and lost a fumble. Fagnano also suffered an ankle injury against Buffalo, although he participated fully in Baltimore's final two practices and has no injury designation. With an inexperienced quarterback operating the offense, Baltimore must avoid obvious passing situations and limit pressure up the middle.
Ioane's return could improve protection around Fagnano while giving offensive coordinator Declan Doyle more confidence in the running game.
Derrick Henry could benefit from Ioane's availability
Baltimore's rushing attack will remain critical as the Ravens attempt to compensate for Jackson's absence.
Henry enters Week 9 with 632 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, but Jacksonville presents a difficult matchup after allowing an NFL-low 77.4 rushing yards per game. The Jaguars have also lost defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton to a season-ending injury, creating a potential opportunity for Baltimore to challenge their interior defensive front.
Ioane's ability to establish leverage and create movement at the line of scrimmage could help Henry generate productive early-down runs. Baltimore enters Thursday at 4-4 after three consecutive losses, making improved offensive execution essential.
Ioane's expected return won't eliminate the challenges facing Fagnano, but it gives the Ravens a better chance to establish the running game and protect their inexperienced starting quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens get major offensive line boost as Vega Ioane is set to return
