Ravens: LT Bryant McKinnie could regain starting spot this season

Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie is ready to play when needed, coach John Harbaugh said. But if he plays in more than 50 percent of the team's offensive plays this season, he'll be owed an additional $1 million. (US Presswire)

If the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line's woes persist, left tackle Bryant McKinnie could regain the starting position he lost this preseason, though it could take a few more games for it too happen.

Starting left tackle Michael Oher and right tackle Kelechi Osemele have struggled through five games in pass protection, highlighted with each surrendering two sacks apiece against Kansas City.

Speedy edge rushers have gotten the best of the Ravens' tackles this season. Oher had a tough time against Eagles DE Trent Cole and Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali. Osemele was beat quite a bit by Chiefs OLB Justin Houston this past Sunday and is still adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

With the offensive line becoming a concern, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said McKinnie is prepared to enter the game at any moment.

"Bryant is ready to play right now," Harbaugh said. "Circumstances dictate a lot of things sometimes."

One issue that could keep McKinnie from getting on the field sooner instead of later would be for the Ravens to save $1 million. One of McKinnie's incentives -- to earn $1 million extra in addition to the $2.2 million base salary in his restructured contract -- is he must play more than 50 percent of the offense's snaps this season.

If Baltimore holds him out until after its eighth game of the season against the Browns, then it would have a good shot at McKinnie not reaching that threshold. And of course, by that time, there would still need to be some obvious struggles along the offensive line for the Ravens to reinstate McKinnie as the starting left tackle.

McKinnie is expecting to get back on the field once the financial ramifications of the 33-year-old offensive tackle's contract work out in the Ravens' favor.

McKinnie started all 16 regular season games for an offensive line that gave up 33 sacks. So far this season, the Ravens have given up 13 sacks, putting them on pace for 41.6.

McKinnie reported to training camp five days late this preseason after injuring his back in a fall outside of his south Florida home. From there, the Ravens made a decision to go young on the offensive line by moving Oher from right to left tackle and starting Osemele, a rookie out of Iowa State, at right tackle.

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.