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UPGRADES

Washington up 2

After missing three weeks with an ankle sprain, left tackle Cornelius Lucas returned to play 100% of snaps in the surprise win over Pittsburgh. Lucas is a competent pass blocker and his return allowed Morgan Moses to shift back to his normal right tackle position, and more importantly, keep David Sharpe on the bench as the swing tackle option. The Washington Football Team's offensive line shows a clear difference, with and without Lucas in the lineup. They rank 11th in this week's grades and have a favorable matchup this weekend against a depleted San Francisco 49ers' defensive front seven.

Las Vegas up 6

Right tackle Trent Brown was activated from the Covid list and participated in practice this week in full. This is big news, as the team needs Brown for a key home game against a difficult Indianapolis' defensive front seven. Brown has had a tough season, only starting two games so far, but there's a huge upgrade in the quality of pass protection when he plays, as quarterback Derek Carr told the media this week. Assuming Brown plays (sending Sam Young to the bench), and based on the strength of the other positions, the Raiders' offensive line ranks 1 overall in this week's grades.

Pittsburgh up 17

This upgrade is a bit of a projection, assuming starting center Maurkice Pouncey is able to clear Covid protocols prior to this weekend's favorable matchup against the Buffalo defensive front seven. Pouncey has been on the list since December 2nd, and the game against Buffalo is on December 13th. While many players have taken longer than the minimum time to recover, beat writer speculation points toward Pouncey starting this weekend and relegating rookie J.C. Hassenauer to the bench. Those with exposure to the Steelers' offense should check gameday inactives, but Pouncey's possible return would boost their offensive line grade to the top-5 in the current rankings.

Seattle up 8

After missing two weeks with an ankle sprain, right tackle Brandon Shell returned to practice in a limited fashion and is officially questionable for this weekend's favorable matchup against the NY Jets' defensive front. Shell has extra motivation against his old team, and his return to the lineup comes not a moment too soon. Last week against the NY Giants, Chad Wheeler got 20 snaps after Jamarco Jones went down. Jones and Wheeler were only in the game because Cedric Ogbuehi was a late scratch with a calf injury. Few would have identified Brandon Shell as a difference-maker on the Seattle offense, but when they had to play without him, that's exactly what he was revealed to be. Assuming Shell returns the Seahawks' offensive line has climbed to 14th overall in the latest rankings.

Baltimore up 10

The Ravens' offensive line has gotten healthier this week, as Patrick Mekari was activated from the Covid list prior to the Dallas game last Tuesday and started at center. Had Mekari not been available, Matt Skura was also active, which relegated rookie Trystan Colon-Castillo to the 3rd center role. The right side of the line featured Ben Powers at right guard and DJ Fluker rotating at right tackle for Tyre Phillips. Will Holden was activated from the Covid list as well this week and he could find his way into the right tackle conversation. Without Ronnie Stanley, this line isn't great, but they are getting healthier and clock in at 16th in the current rankings. Be aware, however, the Ravens' line faces a difficult matchup this week against Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns defensive front.

NY Jets up 5

Right tackle George Fant recovered from his foot injury in time to start last week against Las Vegas. Fant isn't fantastic but he's far better than the backups of Chuma Edoga and Conor McDermott. While the Jets' offense has been shaky all season, they are finding success in the running game of late, particularly running behind Mekhi Becton at left tackle. In other news, right guard Greg Van Roten broke his toe and is unlikely to be ready for the away game at Seattle this weekend. Josh Andrews replaced him last week, and both players carry similar non-starter grades. The Jets' offensive line moves up to 25th in the latest rankings.

DOWNGRADES

Indianapolis down 4

Left tackle LeRaven Clark ruptured his Achillies' tendon last week during the game against Houston, and he has been placed on injured reserve. Clark had been starting for Anthony Castonzo, who is still not practicing due to an MCL sprain. This left Chaz Green to take 100% of snaps last week, and barring a miraculous recovery from Castonzo, Green will likely get another start this week against Las Vegas. The Colts' line still grades in the top-10 with Green at left tackle, based on the strength of players like left guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly, but they won't be elite until Castonzo rejoins the lineup.

Atlanta down 5

Left guard James Carpenter missed last week's loss to New Orleans with a groin injury, and he is not practicing this week. Third-round rookie Matt Hennessey appears to have lost the faith of the coaching staff and has been moved to backup center (purposely riding the bench). This left veteran Justin McCray to start last week. McCray had some unsteady moments in pass protection and all signs point to McCray getting another one this weekend against the Chargers. This is still a very good offensive line, 9th in the latest rankings, but until the situation at left guard stabilizes, they no longer grade as elite.

Minnesota down 6

Rookie right guard Ezra Cleveland rejoined the lineup last week, pushing Brett Jones back to the bench. While Cleveland undoubtedly has the physical upside, the veteran Jones is stronger and a more reliable technician at this stage of his career. This Vikings' line grades as a solid mid-tier option, facing a tough Tampa Bay defensive front this weekend, either way. They just perform slightly better with Jones in the lineup.

Philadelphia down 3

Another shuffle to the lineup in Philadelphia, as the team gave Jack Driscoll at right tackle last week against Green Bay. Matt Pryor had been playing right tackle in place of Lane Johnson, who went on the injured reserve with an ankle injury. At right guard, Jason Peters and Nate Herbig are splitting reps, with Peters having a 3:2 advantage in reps. Peters has been playing through a toe injury, which could have played into the decision. Once a darling of the rankings, the Philadelphia offensive line falls to 21st, and they have a tough matchup this week against New Orleans.

Miami down 4

Left guard Ereck Flowers sprained his ankle last week against Cincinnati and was replaced by fourth-round rookie Solomon Kindley. Once an infamous draft bust with the Giants, Flowers has been one of the more steady left guards in the league since converting inside. Unlike many teams, the Dolphins have plenty of depth. But without arguably their best lineman, the Dolphins' grade falls to 24th just prior to facing an average Kansas City defensive front seven.

Jacksonville down 12

Center Brandon Linder was forced from last week's overtime loss to Minnesota with an ankle injury, and he is not practicing this week. In replacement, Tyler Shatley moved to center from left guard (where he was starting for Andrew Norwell), and rookie Ben Bartch, who had been rotating with Shatley at left guard, got the job all to himself. The Jaguars' offensive line drops to 27th in the rankings, and they face a tough Tennessee defensive front seven this weekend.

Detroit down 4

Right tackle Tyrell Crosby turned his ankle during last week's win over Chicago and has not been practicing this week. Matt Nelson (a converted defensive lineman from Iowa) replaced Crosby and was immediately tested by superstar pass rusher Khalil Mack. Nelson is an interesting and likable prospect getting all sorts of good press about his story, but the technical gap between Crosby and Nelson is notable. Detroit falls to 29th in the current ranks, and they have a difficult matchup this weekend against Green Bay.

Cincinnati down 3

Left tackle Jonah Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury during last weeks' loss to Miami. Williams was placed on injured reserve, but he is expected to be healthy before the 2021 offseason workout programs begin. Hakeem Adenji, an athletic sixth-round rookie from Kansas replaced Williams during the game and will likely get the job down the stretch. In other news, right guard Alex Redmond returned to practice after missing several games with a concussion. Redmond could rotate in with Xavier Su'a-Filo this week against a vulnerable Dallas defense, or take his job back outright. The Bengals' offensive line checks in at 31st in the ranks.

OTHER NEWS

ARZ - Coaches have rotated LG Justin Pugh and RG J.R. Sweezy with backup guard Justin Murray. Similarly, C Mason Cole played 48 snaps to Lamont Gaillard's 16 against the Rams.

BUF - RG Brian Winters was benched in a coaching decision, Jon Feliciano to RG, Ike Boettger to LG

DAL - RG Zack Martin was formally added to the injured reserve list, removing all possibility of a return this season.

DEN - RG Graham Glasgow was forced from the Chiefs game with an ankle/foot injury and he did not practice this week. Austin Schlottman is likely to get another start. This is a downgrade numerically, but the Broncos hold on to their 29th rankings.

HOU - Backup Senio Kelemete worked in at LG and RG for Max Scharping and Zach Fulton. He ended the day with 61% of offensive snaps.

GB - C Corey Linsley was formally added to the injured reserve list, but the Packers hope to have him back before the start of the NFL playoffs.

LAC - LT Sam Tevi missed last week's blowout loss against NEP to attend the birth of his child. Storm Norton got his first career start at LT.

NEP - RG Shaq Mason is questionable with an ankle injury but expected to play Thursday night against the Rams.

NYG - LG Shane Lemieux is rotating with Will Hernandez and RT Cam Fleming is rotating with Matt Peart, both at a 3:1 ratio.

SFO - Tom Compton/Colton McKivitz had a 1:1 split at right guard last week prior to Compton leaving with a concussion. The team signed Tony Bergstrom, but this right guard situation remains a nagging issue.

FULL RANKINGS