Ravens LT All-Pro Ronnie Stanley (ankle) set to return for “Sunday Night Football” against the Bengals

All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) will play in the Ravens Sunday night football game against the Bengals, NFL Network insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported Saturday.

It would mark Stanley’s first playing action since the 2021 season opener, and only his second time on the pitch since fracturing his ankle nearly two years ago.

The rift happened in Week 8 of the 2020 season, just days after the tackle signed a five-year, $98.75 million contract extension with Baltimore, and he hasn’t returned for the rest of the season. Then, in Stanley’s first game back last season, he injured his ankle again and underwent season-ending surgery a month later.

Stanley entered training camp this year still recovering from the surgery and was therefore placed on the list of physically unable to play in July. However, he passed his physical just a month later and it was hoped that he would be ready to go in Week 1. But those predictions did not come to fruition as Stanley is yet to play in a season game. regular in 2022, only now considered ready enough to return to the field for Week 5.

The former 2016 first-round pick was exceptional before his injury woes, being named a first-team All-Pro and making his first Pro Bowl in 2019, his final full season. Homegrown Ravens talent, he became a closed left tackle in both pass protection and run blocking, protecting Lamar Jackson in his MVP-winning season that year.

After two seasons largely on the sidelines, Stanley is set to return to M&T Stadium and could prove an important part of a Baltimore side looking to bounce back from their week-end loss. 4 against the Buffalo Bills.

The Ravens and Bengals will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday.