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The Baltimore Ravens have arguably the NFL’s best right guard in Marshal Yanda, but his mettle will be tested against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
He is currently lining up at the left guard position in pre-game warmups, with backup guard Vladimir Ducasse taking his original place.
Here's an interesting change for Ravens: Marshal Yanda is lining up as the left guard in warmups. Not his typical right guard spot.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) November 20, 2016
This is an interesting move with several possible motivations as well as potential ramifications on the offensive line.
Jeff Zrebiec had some further speculative thoughts on why the move is taking place.
Not sure if Yanda move has anything to do with the different stance takes pressure off shoulder, or maybe it's a matchup thing versus Dallas
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) November 20, 2016
If his injury is the reason for doing so as is stated above, this would certainly be an interesting way to keep the all pro on the field.
It is also possible that the move is being made to help stabilize a left side that has been in flux since left tackle Ronnie Stanley injured his foot several weeks ago. A veteran presence over there may help the rookie who has struggled in recent games.
Regardless of why this is happening, Yanda has shown some versatility in the past such as when he subbed in at right tackle in 2014. Hopefully there is no drop off in quality in Yanda’s level of play, as the Raven’s need a big game out of their offensive line if they’re going to win today in Jerry World.