Ravens release oft-injured tackle Eugene Monroe

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) Left offensive tackle Eugene Monroe has been released by the Baltimore Ravens, who lost patience with the oft-injured veteran.

Since signing a five-year, $37.5 million extension in 2013, Monroe provided little return on Baltimore's investment. He missed five games in 2014 and last season played in only six games.

After undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum, Monroe skipped organized team activities (OTAs). His fate became apparent on Tuesday, when Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monroe was being held out of the mandatory minicamp while the team looked to deal him.

The coach said: ''My understanding right now is that teams are inquiring about Eugene, and when you're in that kind of a situation ... you're pretty much obligated to pull back and not practice a guy.''

The departure of Monroe paves the way for top draft pick Ronnie Stanley to earn a starting job on the offensive line, perhaps at the spot vacated by Monroe.

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