Ravens lose All-Pro Ronnie Stanley for season due to ankle injury

Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley will undergo his second straight year-ending ankle surgery.

"This is not what I wanted or expected when coming into the season," Stanley announced Tuesday. "Throughout the last year, I did everything I could to be 100% healthy so I could be out there playing for our team and city. As a competitor, I have a mindset of sacrificing my body for my brothers and my team to reach our goals. At this point in time, my ankle isn't where it should be.

"This is the best decision not only for my health but also for the team long term. I look forward to supporting my team from the sideline this season and coming back fully healthy in 2022."

Stanley missed the second half of the last campaign with the same injury, which he suffered just days after signing a five-year deal reportedly worth $98.75 million. He returned for Week 1 but has sat out the last five contests.

Veteran Alejandro Villanueva shifted over to left tackle, and Patrick Mekari took over at right tackle.

Injuries have devasted the Ravens this season. Star cornerback Marcus Peters and running back Gus Edwards both suffered torn ACLs during practice days before the start of the campaign.

Baltimore also lost two other running backs, J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill, to year-ending injuries. Meanwhile, first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman missed the first five games before making his debut in Week 6.

Despite the losses, the Ravens have established themselves as one of the NFL's best clubs through six weeks, winning five contests to top the AFC North.