The fourth preseason game is a chance for Ravens players to make one final impression before the last cut down to 53 players.
"A lot of players are going to play in this game – guys who have a lot at stake," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "We'll have an opportunity to improve, but also, there's going to be a few positions at stake, opportunities for guys here and elsewhere to show that they can play in the NFL."
With that in mind, here are five under-the-radar players who could win a job Thursday night:
LT James Hurst
The Ravens currently don't have a lot of depth at tackle, where Eugene Monroe and Rick Wagner are the starters. Jah Reid has been out since prior to the third preseason game due to a concussion, and has battled injuries throughout this summer and his* *career. Hurst was a prized rookie free agent addition, and has shown some positives in the preseason games, especially in run blocking.
CB Tramain Jacobs
Jacobs has drawn positive reviews from the coaching staff. Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees said he has "great" upside. Jacobs hasn't made any big-time plays in three preseason games yet, but he hasn't been beaten deep yet either. He was called for one pass interference against the Redskins. With a big game in New Orleans, Jacobs could reenter his name for consideration on the 53-man roster.
FS Brynden Trawick
Trawick was the surprise of last year, making the roster because of his special teams prowess. Trawick could do the same again this season, and is still very much under the radar. Trawick even flashed a bit of his defensive skillset with an impressive sideline interception in Dallas. Trawick's 6-foot-2, 225-pound size makes him stand out from the rest of the safeties, and he's still very fast.
WR Jeremy Butler
All the talk recently has been about three receivers – Michael Campanaro, Kamar Aiken and Deonte Thompson – vying for likely two spots. But what about Butler? The undrafted rookie out of Tennessee-Martin was an early standout and has consistently shown a good ability to get open and make catches. Butler could made some noise on Thursday night.
DT Derrick Hopkins
With Terrence Cody still out due to hip surgery, the Ravens may be looking for a backup at nose tackle. Hopkins, who reportedly got the biggest signing bonus of any Ravens undrafted rookie, could be the answer. The Ravens could also use more depth on the defensive line after season-ending injuries to defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore (Achilles) and Brent Urban (knee).
