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Ronnie Stanley is one step closer to playing in the Ravens’ season opener.
The All-Pro left tackle, limited by ankle injuries over the past two years, passed his physical Friday and has been removed from the physically-unable-to-perform list. His return to practice next week could put him on track to play in the Ravens’ Week 1 game on Sept. 11 against the New York Jets. If Stanley’s unavailable, Ja’Wuan James is expected to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson’s blind side.
Outside linebacker Tyus Bowser, however, will miss at least the team’s first four games after being placed on the reserve/PUP list. Bowser, who led the team in sacks last year but tore his Achilles tendon in January, has not been cleared to practice and now can return as early as the Ravens’ Week 5 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His absence further depletes a thin outside linebacker group headed by Odafe Oweh and Justin Houston.
Asked Tuesday whether there was a “realistic chance” of Stanley and Bowser playing in Week 1, Harbaugh said his preference would be to have them practice for three weeks.
“I watched Ronnie out here before practice with the trainer,” Harbaugh said. “He looks like he’s in really good shape, and Tyus looks like he’s in really good shape. So could you speed it up a little bit if they look really great at practice? You probably could. We’ll just have to see how it goes, and see how they feel. A lot of it is how the player feels at that point.”
The Ravens also signed kicker-punter Cameron Dicker ahead of Saturday’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. He’ll likely handle some kicking duties while starter Justin Tucker rests.
This story will be updated.
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