Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Shoulders Blame For Ronnie Stanley's Injury Scare

The Baltimore Ravens have bounced back nicely since welcoming Ronnie Stanley back to the fold after he recovered from a left ankle injury, but the All-Pro left tackle may be on the sidelines once again in the near future.

In the third quarter of their 13-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers, Stanley was the unfortunate victim of quarterback Lamar Jackson being sacked by defensive end Brian Burns as Jackson fell onto Stanley's ankle.

The 2019 All-Pro did not return to the game. Patrick Mekari again took over his role while Stanley was in the medical tent to get evaluated on his injury. The latter was eventually ruled out of the game.

"[It was] very tough. I went in the locker room after the game, and I checked on him, but he said he's pretty good. He told me just don't fall into him," Jackson told the media when asked about the Stanley incident.

He continued, "So, it was me [who] hurt him, so I'm a little pissed off about that, but he's good. That's all that matters."

Mekari received high praise from right guard Kevin Zeitler for stepping up in Stanley's absence, calling him a "super sub" who has a "truly miracle-like ability" to "play any position at any time."

In addition to Stanley getting bit by the injury bug, rookie safety Kyle Hamilton was also ruled out of the game thanks to a knee injury that he suffered with just about 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Ravens have done well so far this season and remain the kings of the AFC North despite devastating injuries to offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James and linebacker Steven Means, who are both out for the season due to Achilles tears.

Running back J.K. Dobbins also made his return to the team this season after a year out of action thanks to some issues with his knee, though he figures to make a return around the playoffs.

As the regular season is set to enter its closing stages, the Ravens are one of three teams along with the Miami Dolphins and the Tennessee Titans that are just a game behind the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs (8-2) for the top spot in the conference.

Baltimore is in luck though, as they have one of the weakest schedules remaining among top contenders in the AFC, with their Week 18 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals being the toughest matchup.

By that time, however, it is expected that the Ravens will have already locked up a playoff seed and will be off to polish their weaknesses.

Head coach John Harbaugh and his men have an opportunity to go undefeated the rest of the way, and many will be hoping to see them at full strength ahead of their rivalry matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.