Harbaugh: Yanda's injury "not a serious thing"

August 17, 2011 4:08 PM by Dan Kolko View Comments

Ravens offensive guard/tackle Marshal Yanda has missed the last five days of practice with back spasms, but head coach John Harbaugh said today he isn't worried about Yanda possibly missing any regular season action.

Yanda will be held out of Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs, Harbaugh said, but the coaching staff is not planning on being without the burly offensive lineman for much longer.

"He's going to be out this week," Harbaugh said. "It's not a serious thing. He's not going to be out for the regular season or anything like that, and he'll probably play next week."

Yanda signed a five-year, $32 million contract this offseason, and will be counted on to stabilize an offensive line which struggled last season, as well as in this year's preseason opener against the Eagles. The 2007 third-round pick was originally slated to be the Ravens' right guard this season, but there's also the possibility he goes back to right tackle, which he played last year.

First, Yanda needs to get healthy.

"We're definitely playing it safe," Harbaugh said. "He's got back spasms. Nothing major, no new injury or anything like that to the back. Linemen, they always have back injuries over the years. All football players do, to some extent or another. We're going to keep him out the rest of this week for sure. Whether he'll go next week or not, I don't know. You know Marshal, he'll want to. If we have to hold him back, it will basically be us holding him back."

With Yanda sidelined against Kansas City, the Ravens will likely count on rookie Jah Reid to man the right tackle spot. Oniel Cousins and undrafted rookie Justin Boren could split reps at right guard.

Meanwhile, linebacker Ray Lewis, who missed practice today, is not dealing with any type of injury, Harbaugh said. The Ravens' head coach said Lewis took today off because of a personal issue.

"Family matters," Harbaugh said. "Something he has to take care of."