Villanueva misses 2nd straight practice
Tackle’s status for Monday uncertain; safety Stone returns
Ravens left tackle Alejandro Villanueva missed his second straight practice Friday, clouding his availability for Monday’s game against the Colts.
Villanueva, who sat out most of the second half of Sunday’s win over the Denver Broncos with a knee injury, has yet to practice this week. If he’s unable to participate Saturday, he’ll be a long shot to play against Indianapolis.
“We’ll just have to see how that goes,” coach John Harbaugh said Thursday of Villanueva’s status. “It’s not serious by any stretch; we just have to see. … Sometimes during the season, you just have to see how guys are feeling week to week, and it really becomes that. Nobody is 100% at this point.”
Villanueva has started 94 straight games and appeared in all 100 games over his NFL career. His absence would further deplete the Ravens’ depth at tackle, where the team is already without starter Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and Tyre Phillips (knee).
Patrick Mekari is expected to start at right tackle, but the Ravens’ next-best options at left tackle would come from the practice squad. Andre Smith filled in for Villanueva on Sunday, and Jaryd Jones-Smith, David Sharpe and rookie Adrian Ealy are among the call-up possibilities for Monday.
Defensive tackle Brandon Williams got Friday off to rest, while Geno Stone (thigh) returned after missing Thursday’s practice. He and fellow safety DeShon Elliott (quadriceps) were limited.
In Indianapolis, five Colts starters were missing at practice: tight end Jack Doyle (rest), left tackle Eric Fisher (rest), center Ryan Kelly (groin), right tackle Braden Smith (foot/thumb) and defensive end Kwity Paye (hamstring). Reserve running back Jordan Wilkins (illness) was also absent.