Calling the Ravens' starting right guard "a really, really good football player," Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken made it clear he has Daniel Faalele's back.
Monken disagrees with recent social media criticism of Faalele, who has been a target since Thursday night's preseason opener. Faalele was knocked to the ground by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore who proceeded to sack Cooper Rush during Baltimore's 24-16 victory.
That play wasn't Faalele's finest moment. However, Monken believes Faalele is having a strong training camp and thinks it's unfair to focus on one unflattering moment.
"One shot on the internet doesn't make a man, or a great play doesn't make a man," Monken said. "If the internet posts someone walking into church, it doesn't make him a great Christian. It just means they walked into church. They picked out one clip of it. That's not Daniel. Daniel's been outstanding throughout all of camp and has played his rear end off."
Faalele played all 17 games in his first season as a starter in 2024. One of the NFL's biggest players last year at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds, Faalele lost about 20 pounds this offseason. He's still only 25 years old, and Monken views Faalele as a player who's still ascending.
"I'm so proud of Daniel. He worked hard in the offseason, came in great shape," Monken said. "We're excited for Daniel. He's come a long way. …We're excited about where he's at now, and where he's going to continue to grow."
Baltimore May Use More Formations Featuring Two Running Backs
With Keaton Mitchell back at full strength to join Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, the Ravens may use more formations featuring two running backs in 2025. Mitchell missed part of the 2024 season after his serious knee injury in 2023, but he ran for 68 yards on just nine carries against the Colts, looking more dangerous than ever.
Lining up another explosive back alongside Henry could put even more stress on opposing defenses.
"It's our job to get the best players on the field," Monken said. "We certainly have to look at that a lot more as we continue to move forward because having [Mitchell] back and also Rasheen Ali, those guys are really good players."
Utilizing LaJohntay Wester's Skillset at Wide Receiver Is a Viable Option
With his 87-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Colts, LaJohntay Wester has already proven he's a dangerous punt returner. Being active on game days would also make him available to contribute as a wide receiver.
With his speed and elusiveness, Wester can earn positive yards on jet sweeps, screen passes, and other plays that get him the ball with room to maneuver. Training camp is giving the Ravens a chance to explore different ways to use Wester in offensive packages.
"I think down the road this year and moving forward, I think he's going to be a heck of a weapon," Monken said. "Because he's going to probably be up on gameday as a returner – he kind of gives us another novelty for Zay Flowers. You have Mark [Andrews] and Zay, you've got a couple guys that do the same things. You can plug and play if something happens to Zay. LaJohntay can come in there and make those same plays in the same novelty world. He's doing awesome."
Kyle Hamilton Returns to Practice
All-Pro Safety Kyle Hamilton returned to practice Tuesday, taking the field for the first time this week.
Jaire Alexander, Isaiah Likely, Mitchell, Emery Jones Jr., and William Kwenkeu did not practice.
