The Ravens will participate in joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday and Tuesday at the Eagles' practice facility before Thursday night's preseason game in Philadelphia.
Here are five things to watch:
Progress of Rookie Wide Receiver Marquise Brown
The Ravens' first-round pick has yet to play during the preseason but continues to make progress in his recovery from Lisfranc foot surgery. This week could be another positive step for Brown, practicing against an opposing team for the first time. How Brown performs in practices Monday and Tuesday could determine whether he makes his preseason debut Thursday night.
"He's doing really well, and he's improving every day," Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said. "He's really engaged in the meetings and out on the practice field. He's really excited."
Ravens Secondary vs. Eagles Passing Attack
Philadelphia's Carson Wentz is one of the league's top young quarterbacks, and despite their secondary depth, the Ravens have some adjustments to make after cornerback Tavon Young's neck injury. Young, the team's top nickel corner, could miss the entire season. That leaves other corners like Cyrus Jones and Brandon Carr in the mix to play more nickel than previously expected. Taking reps against Wentz will be good work for the Ravens' secondary, and Philadelphia has some dangerous targets like wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Nelson Agholor and tight end Zach Ertz. For a cornerback like Maurice Canady trying to secure a roster spot, this is an opportunity to shine.
Ravens Offensive Line vs. Eagles Defensive Front
The Eagles have a stellar defensive line featuring Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. The Ravens are trying to decide on a starter at left guard among James Hurst, Jermaine Eluemunor, Ben Powers and Patrick Mekari. Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh started Eluemunor at left guard last week against the Green Bay Packers and was pleased with how he performed. Facing the Eagles will be another step for Eluemunor and the entire offensive line.
"[The Eagles] get out there in those wide nines, and they're coming off the edge. They bring it," Roman said. "They're a real penetrating, run-to-the-ball defense. It's just a different style."
Lamar Jackson's Sharpness and Ball Security
Facing the Eagles' defense in practice will give some productive work as he Jackson moves closer to starting the regular season. Harbaugh indicated he doesn't expect to play Jackson much more than a quarter on Thursday. But Jackson should get plenty of practice reps, and the coaching staff will want to see him continue the progress he's made since the start of training camp.
Ravens Wide Receivers vs. Eagles Secondary
The Ravens have a few wide receivers trying to secure a roster spot that have played well throughout training camp, specifically Jaleel Scott and Antoine Wesley. Rookie Miles Boykin, whose roster spot is secure, has been stellar since the start of training camp. Working against the Eagles' opportunistic secondary will help the Ravens coaching staff sort out the wide receiver depth chart.
