Baltimore shored up its right tackle position by signing Morgan Moses during free agency. But the Ravens needed someone to take reps at left tackle until Stanley returns and be his backup during the season. James has looked solid working off the rust after his long absence.
James’ recent run of tough luck began in 2019, when he played just three games for the Broncos after suffering a knee injury. Then after opting out of the 2020 season, James tore his Achilles while training away from the Broncos’ facility in May of 2021, and Denver released him a week later. James had inked a four-year, $51 million deal with Denver.
The Ravens signed James in June of last year, but he wasn’t close to being ready for action. It was essentially a sign and stash. After months of rehab, James returned to the practice field late last season. He wasn’t ready to return, but being around his Ravens teammates last year helped him get acclimated.
“When I signed here, that’s what they talked about – getting the chance to come in, build some camaraderie with the O-line, learn some of the plays ahead of time, so when we got to this phase, it wouldn’t be like I was a fresh face or just [starting] to get to know the guys [and] getting to know the plays,” James said.
“Part of that plan was, ‘Hey, let’s get you out here in pads, let’s get you hitting, let’s get you moving around. If you’re ready, you’re ready, if you’re not, you’re not.’ They didn’t want to rush anything; I didn’t want to rush anything. I wanted to come back full strength on my Achilles.”
Head Coach John Harbaugh has been impressed with how James has gotten up speed after his long absence. Some of the training camp days have been hot and demanding, but James hasn’t looked fatigued or rusty. It sounded as if James could be in line for some action when the Ravens host the Titans in their preseason opener.
“We need a left tackle, and for him to go over there and do that, and do a good job, is really important,” Harbaugh said. “I…
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