Two of the Ravens' most critical offensive players, tight end Mark Andrews and center Tyler Linderbaum, are still not at practice but they're getting closer, Head Coach John Harbaugh said Monday.
Andrews has not practiced since being involved in an Aug. 14 car accident, but Harbaugh said the three-time Pro Bowler was dealing with something "very minor."
"We're not messing with it right now. Don't worry about Mark," Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh said Andrews will travel with the team to Green Bay on Wednesday, where the Ravens will have a joint practice with the Packers on Thursday followed by Saturday afternoon's preseason finale in Green Bay.
Linderbaum has not practiced since Aug. 1 as he deals with a neck injury. Linderbaum will not participate in contact work this week, but he has been participating in walkthroughs and the Sept. 5 season opener against the Chiefs is still more than two weeks away.
"He's right on schedule, kind of where we were planning," Harbaugh said. "He won't be in any kind of contact work this week. He's in a good place."
Lamar Jackson Thinks He'll Be Sharp Week 1 Without Preseason Action
Lamar Jackson has not played in the preseason since 2021 and is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason finale in Green Bay.
Jackson believes he's getting enough reps during practice to be sharp for the Sept. 5 season-opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
"We have been building chemistry, and I feel like we've been looking pretty good, so I think I'll be ready." Jackson said. "I'm very competitive, so sometimes I do [say], 'I want to go play,' but at the same time I know why our coaches are keeping us off the field; and I'd rather just play the regular season then going out there and things happen."
The Chiefs take a different approach with their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who has played both preseason games so far. Mahomes likes getting preseason reps and Head Coach Andy Reid has always played his starters in the preseason more than most coaches.
Entering his 17th season with the Ravens, Harbaugh has a 35-18 record in September, so starting fast has rarely been a problem for the Ravens, whether their starting quarterback plays during the preseason or not.
Harbaugh altered the Ravens' preseason approach after running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2021 in the preseason finale. That was also the last time Jackson suited up in the preseason.
"We want to start the season off well, we want to put our best foot forward right out of the gates as much as we can," Harbaugh said. "It's hard to do, there's no guarantee. We have done well over the years doing that because we practice well.
"Practice is what makes it. Preseason games don't make or break you that way; it's the practices. You can do it either way."
Starting Offensive Line 'Close' to Being Settled
Andrew Vorhees (left guard), Daniel Faalele (right guard) and Rosengarten (right tackle) started against the Falcons in the second preseason game and took the majority of reps. However, Harbaugh said the starting offensive line for Week 1 has not been determined.
"I think we're close," Harbaugh said. "I think we have a pretty good idea and the way it's trending in different areas. It's not altogether solidified, but we're in a good place right now."
There are also backup roles to be settled, and Harbaugh said rookie center Nick Samac was helping his chances to land a spot on the roster behind Linderbaum. Samac took reps with the first-team offense Monday.
"[Samac] made a big move this last week," Harbaugh said. "I think his ankle is feeling better, finally. It probably did hamper him up until now. He played well in the game. He was stout at the point of attack, and he had an opportunity because of Tyler not practicing, and we wanted to get Ben [Cleveland] some reps at guard. He did a good job in the game."
Why Jackson Loves Having Josh Johnson As His Backup
Josh Johnson's perfect 11-of-11 performance highlighted Baltimore's preseason victory over the Falcons, but the veteran quarterback's value goes beyond his play.
Jackson has benefitted from having Johnson's presence in the quarterback room and they have developed a close relationship.
"Actually, the first time Josh was here with us, a couple of years back, I was so hyped to have him," Jackson said. "Just learning from him and knowing the type of offenses he's been in and just hearing him speak and how he learned ball and how he knows ball, it's incredible for me to be in a room with a guy like him."
