Baltimore Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda injured his ankle during an overtime loss to the Washington Redskins and the pro bowl offensive lineman saw his role reduced to spectator for the following game against the Denver Broncos.
Injuries have decimated the Ravens – primarily on the defensive side of the ball – but the offense appeared to crumble as Yanda’s absence led to increased pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco.
It’s clear that for the Ravens offense to succeed and Flacco to have time to pass, Yanda must get back on the field. On Wednesday, he addressed his chances of a return.
“We’ll see what happens,” Yanda said when asked if he would be able to play this week. “I’m going to test it out this week and see how it feels. It’s only Wednesday, the game is Sunday, we’ll see.”
Earlier in the morning, Yanda participated in the team’s walkthrough and said his ankle, “felt alright.”
Having Yanda on the sidelines doesn’t bode well as he’s been the most consistent piece of an offensive line that has struggled all around him. The Ravens are one win away from clinching their second consecutive AFC North championship but Yanda wants to play no matter what the stakes.
“I’m a guy that usually plays so it’s tough to watch,” he said. “Just not being out there, no matter the outcome of the game, it was tough. No matter how the season is going, I want to get back as fast as possible and help my team win.”
During the portion of practice open to the media, Yanda wasn’t seen on the field with his teammates.
If he isn’t available to play this weekend against the New York Giants, 13-year veteran Bobbie Williams, who has primarily played right guard throughout his career, will likely replace Yanda once again.
Video: CSNBaltimore’s Brent Harris and J.Michael discuss the health of the team
