OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, the No. 6 overall pick, returned to practice after missing a day with a soft-tissue injury.

This is significant for the Ravens, especially after what the team went through the past two seasons at that position. Eugene Monroe missed 15 of the Ravens' last 32 regular-season games, and he chose not to play in an AFC divisional round game in New England after being cleared by doctors.

The Ravens wanted a more durable blocker to protect Joe Flacco's blind side, and Stanley impressed team officials by how quickly he bounced back from his first injury.

"He wanted to be out there," coach John Harbaugh said. "I think he said right after the [Saturday stadium practice]: ‘It’s nothing.’ I don’t know if anything is nothing, physically in this league."

Durability was considered one of the strengths of Stanley, who is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's preseason game. He never missed a game in his three years as a starter at Notre Dame.

The Ravens, who released Monroe two months ago, are relying on Stanley to remain healthy. Baltimore tried to sign veteran Jake Long as insurance, but talks broke down after Long refused to sign an injury waiver for a knee that had been surgically repaired twice.

At this point, the Ravens would go with rookie fourth-round pick Alex Lewis if Stanley can't play for an extended period. Baltimore might look to sign a backup offensive tackle with more experience after teams cut down to 53 players following the last preseason game.