Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley announces he's having season-ending ankle surgery

Despite having the best record in the AFC at 5-1, the Baltimore Ravens' injury woes keep getting worse.

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley announced on Tuesday that he's having season-ending ankle surgery.

"This is not what I wanted or expected when coming into the season," Stanley said in a statement released by the team. "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."

The last year has been a difficult one for the 27-year-old Stanley. He suffered a horrendous ankle break in November 2020, less than a week after signing a five-year, $98.75 million contract. He was carted off the field and had to undergo season-ending surgery. Stanley then had to have a second surgery, which prevented him from being ready for the start of training camp. He was able to start Week 1, his first game since the injury, but struggled. He's been sidelined ever since.

Stanley, an elite tackle and 2019 Pro Bowler, is the 17th Ravens player to be placed on injured reserve this season. Alejandro Villanueva has played in Stanley's place since Week 2, and will continue to slot in at left tackle.