Mink: There's merit to both sides of the argument when it comes to whether to play your starters during the preseason. I agree with Head Coach John Harbaugh that the pros don't outweigh the possible cons.
Harbaugh used to play the starters some. That changed after 2021, when running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first (and only scheduled) drive for the starters in the preseason finale in Washington. That not only sent Dobbins' career down a different path but dramatically altered that season's offense. Injuries happen in football. It's an unfortunate part of the sport. But injuries in games that don't count sting more.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid operate differently. Their starters play, including multiple series for Patrick Mahomes in their second preseason game. That's a risk. Reid obviously feels the benefit outweighs the risk, but that would probably change if Mahomes were to go down. I expect that any coach who lost a star player to injury in the preseason would reevaluate their decision, though Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown reportedly suffered a shoulder dislocation in their preseason opener and that didn't change things. If Brown can't play Week 1 against the Ravens, was it worth it to get him some preseason game action?
The Chiefs have won back-to-back Super Bowls so it's hard to argue against whatever they've been doing. But do you think playing in the preseason is why they hoisted the Lombardi? They lost their Week 1 game last year to the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, the Ravens, who have not played most of their starters, have won their last two regular-season openers, including a 25-9 thumping of the Houston Texans last year.
In summary, no, I'm not worried about rust. The Ravens starters will get some game-like action Thursday against the Green Bay Packers – probably more action than they would see in a preseason game. And Lamar Jackson will still be off-limits to contact. Joint practices are a strong middle ground in this debate.
Mink: No, Jackson will not lead the Ravens in rushing yards this season, and I think he'll be happy to hand over that crown. Assuming everyone stays healthy, that will almost certainly go to Derrick Henry. You don't sign a back of Henry's caliber and then not give him the ball. I expect that he'll get around 300 carries this season with Jackson getting about half that.
Jackson's legs will still be a major part of the Ravens' offensive attack, and he does look a little faster and shiftier at his lower weight this offseason. While Henry pounds defenses with his physicality, Jackson will slice through them with his elusiveness. I doubt Jackson will reach 1,000 rushing yards ever again, as he last did in 2020. But with 852 more rushing yards, he'll overtake his idol, Michael Vick, for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback. That's within reach this season.
Brown: I think Jackson and Josh Johnson will be the only two quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster.
Johnson's perfect 11-of-11 performance against the Falcons on Saturday showed how well the veteran quarterback can play. Jackson spoke this week about how much he loves having Johnson in the quarterback room. Johnson knows the ins and outs of Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken's system and is a consummate pro. The coaching staff has confidence in Johnson's ability to move the offense if he's pressed into action.
Though they had three quarterbacks last season, including Tyler Huntley, the Ravens traditionally keep just two quarterbacks and have tough decisions to make at other positions. But if they surprise me and keep three quarterbacks, I still think Devin Leary would get the nod over Emory Jones, who played well against the Falcons (7-of-9, 100 yards, one touchdown). Leary has a strong arm, and the Ravens liked him well enough to draft him in the sixth round. However, I don't think his preseason work (9-of-15, 61 yards) and training camp performances have been impressive enough to secure a roster spot.
I think the Ravens will hope that Leary and potentially Jones pass through waivers, allowing them to be signed to the practice squad where their development can continue.
Brown: Dayton Wade is still a long shot to make the 53 in my view, despite leading the Ravens in preseason receiving yards (94) and receptions (six).
Wade's double move on his 56-yard touchdown catch against the Falcons was gorgeous and he is certainly showing potential to be an NFL wide receiver. However, I think the Ravens will keep six wide receivers at most, with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor being the top three wideouts on game days, and Devontez Walker, Deonte Harty and Tylan Wallace also on the roster. Harty is expected to be the top returner. Wallace is also valuable on special teams and has enjoyed a strong training camp. Injuries have slowed Walker but he's still a fourth-round pick who's not going anywhere.
Wade has helped himself this summer and could land on the practice squad with a realistic chance to be elevated at some point. But cracking the initial 53-man roster still looks difficult.
