clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Marshal Yanda's versatility could come in play against Browns

Depending on Eugene Monroe's health for Sunday's game, Marshal Yanda could wind up playing tackle.

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Marshal Yanda is once again a Pro Bowl guard. But in the season-finale, the veteran out of Iowa may have to swing out to right tackle if called upon.

That would be due to injuries sustained on the offensive line this past Sunday in Baltimore's 25-13 loss to the Texans. Both Eugene Monroe and Rick Wagner experienced foot injuries, with Wagner suffering a Lisfranc sprain that ended his season. Monroe's status is still in the air.

If Monroe is unable to go, the left tackle spot will likely be filled by James Hurst. That would more than likely put Yanda at right tackle, with rookie John Urschel filling in at right guard. Against the Texans, Yanda was asked to swing out to right tackle following Monroe's injury, which is why this is the most likely scenario.

"Obviously, I haven't played in a long time, but we'll see what happens come Sunday," Yanda told reporters on Wednesday. "We don't know who is healthy yet, and obviously John [Harbaugh] does the injury report. But I've played there before, and I'm ready to go wherever I need to play. I had to play there a little bit last Sunday, so it's part of that deal where you have to be ready to roll."

The Ravens have had a strong running game all year up until the past two weeks, when they ran for 93 yards against Jacksonville and 33 against Houston. Yanda acknowledged that the line will need to do a much better job opening holes for Justin Forsett against the Browns if the offense is going to be successful. And that has to happen whether he's at guard or tackle.

"We love to run the ball, and it's a big part of our offense," Yanda said. "We need to get back to ... We need to block better, and that starts with us up front. We have to get it done better."