Ravens Pro Bowler ‘Could Lose Starting Job'
The Baltimore Ravens are going to look different on offense this season, that much is for sure.
Really, after retaining quarterback Lamar Jackson and restocking is weapons locker the question is whether or not one of his most consistent offensive teammates will even be suiting up for the Ravens this season.
"[Fullback Patrick Ricard] filled multiple roles and increased his offensive snap count in each of the past four seasons," NFL.com recently wrote while identifying Ricard as a possible starter who will lose his job this season. "But with former offensive coordinator (and Ricard fan) Greg Roman gone, that role might no longer exist."
NFL.com goes on to point out that as an undrafted defensive lineman in 2017, Ricard has carved out a niche for himself as Baltimore's fullback while getting snaps as an inline blocking tight end as well.
His ability to do the dirty work has made him a favorite among fans and a critical member of the offense that surrounded Jackson for the past five seasons.
But his value reaches beyond the Ravens' offense as Ricard has made four straight trips to the Pro Bowl because of his abilities.
Along with the shift in available weapons, however, new offensive coordinator Todd Monken was brought in to replace Roman's who many felt was too limiting on Jackson as a passer and relied too heavily on the run game.
Hence the concern for Ricard and his future, especially when you consider that Monken is coming from the super pass-happy college game and even in his NFL stops before this has not been known to prefer a fullback or block-only tight ends.
It's not every day or year that you hear of a repeat Pro Bowl player with recent trips to the All-Star game getting phased out, but that very thing could be happening.
Meanwhile, Ricard has yet to practice with the team as he continues his recovery from off-season hip surgery. Further complicating his situation and standing with the team.
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