Ravens get surprising Vega Ioane injury update ahead of Bills game

The Baltimore Ravens received an unexpected injury development Thursday as rookie offensive guard Vega Ioane returned to practice just four days after suffering an MCL sprain during Sunday’s 35-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Ioane was on the practice field Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session with the knee injury. His return is particularly encouraging considering initial reports suggested the Ravens’ first-round pick would miss time, potentially forcing Baltimore into another offensive line adjustment ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Ioane suffered the injury during the first half against Cincinnati after taking contact to his knee while attempting to block downfield. He exited the game and did not return, with Emery Jones Jr. replacing him at right guard.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that Ioane suffered an MCL sprain that was not considered a long-term injury but was expected to sideline him for a short period. Baltimore Ravens

Ioane’s return to practice suggests he could be progressing faster than anticipated, although his participation level and availability for Sunday’s game remain uncertain.

Head coach Jesse Minter declined to rule out Ioane earlier this week, acknowledging the rookie’s toughness while emphasizing that Baltimore would evaluate his recovery before making a decision.

The injury came at a particularly frustrating time for Baltimore’s offensive line. Ioane had just returned to his natural right guard position after spending three games at center because of injuries to Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn.

The Ravens acquired veteran center Cam Jurgens from Philadelphia earlier this month, allowing Ioane to return to guard while providing Baltimore with a more experienced presence in the middle of the offensive line.

However, the combination lasted less than a half against Cincinnati before Ioane suffered the injury.

The 22-year-old, selected with the No. 14 overall pick in April’s draft, has been one of Baltimore’s most dependable offensive linemen through seven games. His versatility has been especially valuable for a unit that has struggled to maintain continuity because of injuries.

The Ravens were preparing for the possibility of starting Jones or Andrew Vorhees at right guard against Buffalo, but Ioane’s return could provide another option if he continues progressing.

His availability would be significant for an offense looking to improve its rushing production after consecutive losses to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Derrick Henry has struggled to consistently find running lanes, while Baltimore’s offense has failed to score in the second half of either defeat.

The potential return of Lamar Jackson from a high ankle sprain makes offensive line stability even more important as the Ravens attempt to protect their quarterback and establish a more balanced attack.

Baltimore will continue monitoring Ioane’s knee ahead of Friday’s final injury report. His return to the field is encouraging, but the Ravens must still determine whether he can handle the demands of Sunday’s matchup against Buffalo.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens get surprising Vega Ioane injury update ahead of Bills game