Ravens coach Brian Billick said Monday the team might make a roster move this week if its offensive line continues to be decimated by injuries.
In Sunday?s 9-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers, the Ravens lost both left tackle Adam Terry and center Mike Flynn during a first quarter scoring drive, forcing the team to play the majority of the game with three rookies on the five-member line.
The Ravens had already moved Terry, who suffered an ankle sprain Sunday, from right to left tackle earlier this season after Jonathan Ogden failed to recover fully from a hyper extended left big toe. Billick said that Terry was the “most in doubt” for playing against the St. Louis Rams (0-5) at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.
“There?s only so much latitude with what we have right now,” Billick said at his weekly news conference at the team?s Owings Mills facility Monday. “[It] could involve making a movement roster wise if need be.”
After Flynn left the game with a knee sprain, second-year veteran Chris Chester played center. Chester, who is presumed to be the heir apparent to Flynn at center, had started at right guard this season, but was benched Sunday in favor of first-round draft pick Ben Grubbs. By that point, fifth-round supplemental draft choice Jared Gaither had already replaced Terry at left tackle, with third-round pick Marshal Yanda manning right tackle, a position he has started at since the second game of the season.
Terry was on crutches after the game inside the team?s locker room, but Flynn was walking on his own power and said he is available to play on Sunday against the Rams if the Ravens if no other linemen available.
Still, the lack of experience forced Billick to contemplate the depth of his offensive line.
“Jared Gaither came in and played very well,” Billick said. “We?ll have to see again how J.O. is progressing. That will be a key factor for us as well. We?ll fill in where we can.”
Quarterback Steve McNair said his youthful offensive line served its purpose.
“Those guys filled in well,” McNair said. “They came through when they had to. I?ve always said that they?re our future and it showed today. Those guys are feisty, scrappy and young.”
The team has been without two defensive starters for several weeks. ProBowl cornerback Samari Rolle sat out his third consecutive game with an undisclosed illness, and All-Pro defensive end Trevor Pryce remained sidelined with a right broken wrist. Billick was non-committal Monday when asked about Rolle?s availability for Sunday.
“I apologize for being so vague, but it?s just one of those things, ?Well, how you doing today?? It?s a little like the pregnant wife, ?Well, is it today??” Billick said. “After a while, they get tired of you asking, but he?s progressing and hopefully be the end of the week, we?ll know.”
