Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe’s name has been in the news at points this offseason because of his support for the legalization of marijuana, but he hasn’t been making any news on the field.
Monroe has been on the sideline this spring while waiting for medical clearance from the shoulder injury that brought his 2015 campaign to a premature end. That wait has apparently come to an end.
“Feeling blessed! Cleared to play again!” Monroe wrote on Twitter Wednesday.
Monroe’s absence has left sixth overall pick Ronnie Stanley at left tackle throughout OTAs. After Stanley was selected, coach John Harbaugh said it was possible the rookie could start his career at guard although it now sounds like Harbaugh expects Stanley and Monroe to duke it out for a starting spot.
“The ball is in [Stanley’s] court and he has to earn it, but he’s the sixth pick in the draft,” Harbaugh said Tuesday, via the team’s website. “I expect him to start. That’s his job is to come out here and start. ... If somebody beats [Stanley] out, or he can’t beat somebody out, then that’s how it’s going to go. But it’s competitive. You want to start for this team? Then go out there and be the best guy and you’ll start.”
The Ravens could still come up with a different approach if they think they’re better served with Monroe remaining at left tackle, but that question will likely remain unanswered until the start of the season is much closer.