Photo: USA Today Sports

UPGRADES

Baltimore up 7 slots

This upgrade is based on two factors. First, a cohesion upgrade at left guard. After not revealing who would play left guard for most of preseason, the Ravens chose Bradley Bozeman for the job. The backup center formerly out of Alabama has established himself as a legitimate starter. Second, an individual grade upgrade at right tackle, as Orlando Brown Jr. has become one of the league's nastiest run blockers. This group is mauling over defenses in the run game, and even though their sack statistics may be high, some of this is due to the scrambling style of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens' offensive line grade as a top-tier option in the latest ranks.

Dallas up 5 slots

This grade was tough to predict. Right tackle La'el Collins is not practicing with a knee sprain and left tackle Tyron Smith is still not practicing with an ankle injury (Cameron Fleming got the start last week). However, coaches are talking as if both players are healthy enough to start against the struggling New York Jets this week. Assuming this is the case, the Cowboys' line again grades among the elite in football. This could be called a wild guess but both of these players have a history of playing hurt.

Carolina up 7 slots

Good news out of the Tar Heel State as right guard Trai Turner has shed his walking boot and has rejoined practicing in a limited capacity. Turner could be in the mix to start this weekend at Tampa Bay. Should Turner not get the go-ahead, replacement rookie Dennis Daley outperformed expectations against a tough Jacksonville run defense. If Daley got the call again, he should be ready. Either way, this group grades as a mid-tier option in the latest rankings.

Denver up 7 slots

Positional coach Mike Munchak has improved the play of this unit, particularly left tackle Garrett Bolles. Bolles has stopped committing penalties (for now) and somehow the rushing attack looks more aggressive with replacement Elijah Wilkinson starting at right tackle in place of high priced free agent addition Ja'Wuan James. Wilkinson has started four straight games, which for the purposes of these rankings count as full cohesion. The Broncos' offensive line has risen from the low-tier to a more respectable ranking at the bottom of the mid-tier.

Arizona up 5 slots

This Arizona group is far from elite, but they have (actually) been playing better of late. After free agent right tackle Marcus Gilbert tore his ACL, Justin Murray struggled initially to replace him. But in recent games, the former undrafted second-year player out of Cincinnati has stepped up. The line as a group is creating some room in the running game and operating on the same page in pass protection. Maybe this is how it starts; the Cards are no longer the worst line in football but they still grade in the low-tier.

DOWNGRADES

Green Bay down 5 slots

Left guard Lane Taylor was placed on the injured reserve list with a torn bicep which required season-ending surgery. Second-round rookie Elgton Jenkins from Mississippi State received his first start last week at Dallas. He and right guard Billy Turner had a successful performance in the run game, as Aaron Jones tallied over 180 yards on the ground. However, also of concern is the status of center Corey Linsley. Linsley was removed from the last game with a concussion and it is not clear at press time if he will be cleared for Monday Night Football against Detroit. Linsley is included in the rankings, but if he misses time, their grade would fall to mid-tier status.

Kansas City down 4 slots

Left guard Andrew Wylie was forced from last week's loss against Denver with an ankle injury. Wylie did not practice and is not expected to play this week against Houston. Ryan Hunter was so bad in relief of Wylie last week he was cut, and the team brought on veteran Stefen Wisniewski to man the left guard spot until Wylie can return. While Wisniewski is a natural left guard, and highly familiar with coach Andy Reid's offensive system, he lacks familiarity with his neighbors, currently Cam Erving filling in for Eric Fisher at left tackle and center Austin Reiter. It's as good a replacement one can find in terms of cohesion but an entirely new left side will limit any offense. Once excellent, this Chiefs' line falls to the mid-tier.

LA Chargers down 9 slots

Center Mike Pouncey suffered a season-ending neck injury last week against Denver. In his place, Dan Feeney moved from left guard to center, and Forrest Lamp took Feeney's guard spot. The team signed Ryan Groy to backup Feeney but there's no easy way to replace Pouncey's talent at this point in the season. Without captain and left tackle Russell Okung (who remains on the non-football injury list with blood clots), this Chargers' line falls to the low-tier.

Tampa Bay down 9 slots

The latest reminder of how tough some of these players are, right guard Alex Cappa played 100% of snaps last week despite having a broken arm. Cappa told reporters after the contest it felt bruised. Cappa will be out this week (and several more) for certain. He will be replaced by veteran Earl Watford. Meanwhile, starting right tackle Demar Dotson is also hurt, likely to miss time with a strained hamstring. Josh Wells is likely to get the start in place of Dotson against Carolina. Trotting out a make-shift right side, the Buccaneers' grade falls to the low-tier.

OTHER NEWS

• ATL - The Falcons are getting Jamon Brown back from a concussion, sending Wes Schweitzer to the bench.
• BUF - Guard/tackle Cody Ford is in concussion protocol but the team is currently on their bye week.
• CIN - Left tackle woes as they are likely without both Andre Smith and Cordy Glenn this weekend against Baltimore. John Jerry will likely start, with Alex Redmond maybe seeing snaps.
• MIN - Right guard Josh Kline has an injured foot and will likely be inactive against the Eagles. Dakota Dozier would get the start in his place.
• NYJ - Left guard Kelechi Osemele has added Illness to his Shoulder and Knee designations on the injury list. Alex Lewis played well his place. At right tackle rookie Chuma Edoga got a start due to coaching decision (Brandon Shell was inactive). Even with Sam Darnold returning, this remains an extremely shaky unit.
• OAK - Right guard Gabe Jackson is nearing a return from his knee injury. The team is currently on their bye week.
• PHI - Left tackle Jason Peters has been limited in practice with a knee injury. Peters is expected to play, but if he cannot the Eagles have plenty of depth, with first-round rookie Andre Dillard and Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
• SEA - Right guard DJ Fluker will likely be inactive this week at Cleveland with a hamstring injury. Jamarco Jones was fine in place of Fluker last week against the Rams. Rookie Phil Haynes has returned to practice from the PUP list and could also factor into the guard situation.
• SF - Right tackle Mike McGlinchey will be out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury that required surgery. Usually, this would be a huge downgrade but somehow with all the other injuries, the Niners' gained a point in rank. Justin Skule has been excellent in place of Joe Staley, it will be interesting to see if Justin Brunskill will also step up over the next month. This is a low-tier line on paper, but they have been outperforming their grades recently.
• TEN - Left tackle Taylor Lewan looked bad in his return from suspension last week. Perhaps it was rust. There is no change to his individual grade (for now) but this situation should be closely monitored.
• WAS - Right guard Brandon Scherff is likely to return to the lineup as left tackle Donald Penn is likely to leave the lineup with a hamstring injury. Geron Christian III would replace Penn.

FULL RANKINGS

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