Baltimore Ravens provide update on Tyler Linderbaum injury

The Baltimore Ravens may be close to getting one of their best offensive linemen back.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh provided an update on the status of center Tyler Linderbaum, who has been dealing with a neck injury since the beginning of the month. Although Linderbaum is still some way away from making contact in practice, Harbaugh is pleased with the progress he's seen from the Pro Bowl center as he continues to participate in the team's walkthroughs.

“He's right on schedule, right about where we planned,” Harbaugh said. “He won't be doing any contact work this week. He's in a good place.”

The Ravens will participate in joint practices with the Green Bay Packers before their final preseason game on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field.

Linderbaum, a first-round pick alongside All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton in 2022, made the Pro Bowl in his second season. He was among the best offensive linemen in pass blocking, ranking fifth in pass block win rate at 96 percent, according to ESPN Analytics. As a unit, the Ravens' offensive line ranked fifth in run block win rate and ninth in pass block win rate.

Baltimore led the league in rushing yards per game last season, averaging 156.5 yards per game.

Linderbaum's health will be crucial to Baltimore's success on offense, which needs to sign three new starters on the offensive line. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley is the other returning player, as former starting left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses are now with the New York Jets, while right guard Kevin Zeitler is with the Detroit Lions this offseason.

Neck injuries are not something a team should play with, especially for arguably the Ravens' best offensive lineman, who faces opposing defensive tackles head-on on nearly every play. Even if Linderbaum is on schedule, his return is more than a little concerning given his importance to the team and the potential severity of his injury if it worsens.

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