OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens received good news when starting offensive linemen Pat Mekari and Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum returned to practice Thursday.
However, left guard Andrew Vorhees is still out with an ankle injury.
Mekari, who has started all three games at right tackle this season, missed Wednesday’s practice with a neck injury. Linderbaum, the starting center for the past three seasons, is dealing with a knee injury.
Vorhees would now have just two full practices to get ready to play against the undefeated Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.
If Vorhees cannot play, the Ravens could move Mekari to left guard and rookie second-round pick Roger Rosengarten would start at right tackle.
Another option is having either Ben Cleveland or Josh Jones start at left guard for Vorhees. Both Cleveland and Jones are experienced players but have yet to see much playing time this season.
The Ravens offensive line is coming off its best game against the Cowboys on Sunday. Baltimore ran for 274 yards and quarterback Lamar Jackson did not absorb a sack. The Bills could pose a bigger challenge.
“I believe we took a step; we took a step; [with the] offensive line [and] as a team,” coach John Harbaugh said. “The good news is we came a long way, and the good news is we have a long way to go. That’s good news because that gives us an opportunity to get a lot better. I see great upside in our whole team. I also see great upside in our offensive line.
“By no means were we perfect anywhere – on the offensive line, they played well, [and] we had a lot of rushing yards – but there are plenty of things to get better at.”
