The Baltimore Ravens will have to find a primary backup on the offensive line to begin the 2020 season. The Ravens announced in a press release that offensive lineman James Hurst has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of next season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. This is the first suspension of Hurst’s six-year career.
This suspension could be the answer to why Baltimore re-signed Andre Smith to a one-year contract last week. Hurst is the Ravens’ most experienced and versatile backup, having played at both guard and tackle over his career in Baltimore. The Ravens likely wanted an affordable experienced tackle behind both Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr. in case of injury while Hurst is suspended, with Smith fitting the billing perfectly.
Hurst missed six games in 2018 with a back injury, the first missed games of his NFL career. He’s started a total of 44 games in his career, playing both guard and tackle, including 28 starts over the last three seasons.
While suspended, Hurst can participate in all preseason practices and games. He’ll be eligible to return to Baltimore’s active roster on the Monday following the Ravens’ fourth game.
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