How does the loss of LG Alex Lewis affect the Baltimore Ravens?

Moments ago, the Baltimore Ravens announced LG Alex Lewis will undergo shoulder surgery, and will miss the 2017 NFL season.

Terrible news, as the sophomore lineman played an important role last year.

With the loss of Alex Lewis, how will this affect the Ravens?

Short answer — Next Man Up

Diving deeper though, this is a big loss. Lewis was exceptional at left guard, and a blessing when the Ravens had so few options last season. Last year the ravens placed two rookie lineman, Ronnie Stanley and Lewis, on the left side and prayed. The strategy and coaching worked well as both Stanley and Lewis outperformed expectations. The combination helped lead the Ravens towards a 4-0 start. After Stanley went down though, we watched the Ravens fall back to 4-4.

Current Guards on the Ravens roster:

1. Jarell Broxton
2. Jarrod Pughsley
3. Ryan Jensen
4. Matt Skura
5. Jermaine Eluemunor
6. Marshal Yanda
7. De’Ondre Wesley

A lot of depth, but not a wonderful list.

Obviously, Marshal Yanda will continue playing right guard. He’ll to dominate and win every match-up in the world. That’s what Yanda does.

But at left guard, the Ravens will switch up.

Against the Washington Redskins, the Ravens played, Matt Skura, Ryan Jensen and Jermaine Eluemunor in the guard roles. I expect they’ll see which combination works best.

Starting fives in practice have been:

• LT — Stanley
• LG — Skura
• C — Jensen
• RG — Yanda
• RT — Hurst (Howard hasn’t practiced yet)

Over the course of the next four weeks, the Baltimore Ravens will work on the offensive line strenuously. The Ravens offensive line coach, Joe D’Allesandris, has his work cut out for him. Marty Mornhinweg as well. Something every fan should be paying attention to now, will be the starting lineman in each of the next couple preseason games.