The Ravens released their first regular-season depth chart Tuesday as they prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.
As a reminder, the depth chart is compiled by the team's public relations staff. Here's a closer look:
Lamar Jackson is the No. 2 quarterback behind Joe Flacco, with Robert Griffin III as No. 3.
Head Coach John Harbaugh was non-committal Monday when asked which quarterback would backup Flacco. Why let the Bills know the game plan?
The Ravens must decide whether to dress two or three quarterbacks Week 1. Jackson is expected to play at least a few snaps, taking advantage of his playmaking ability as both a runner and passer. However, Griffin might be the better option to play quarterback if something happened to Flacco. Not activating Griffin for Week 1 could be risky.
However, dressing three quarterbacks would leave the Ravens potentially shorthanded on special teams. The backup quarterback decision could be determined on a week-to-week basis.
Patrick Onwuasor is ahead of Kenny Young as the starting inside linebacker next to C. J. Mosley.
The Onwuasor-Young battle may have been the closest competition of training camp. Both played well, but Young suffered a knee injury last week against the Washington Redskins that could force him to miss Week 1. Harbaugh called Young's status "day-to-day" on Monday. Onwausor can handle the starting role, but there would be concern about the Ravens' depth at inside linebacker if Young could not play.
James Hurst remains listed as the starting right tackle ahead of Orlando Brown Jr.
It remains to be seen if Brown had done enough to earn the starting nod Sunday. Brown started every game during the preseason and earned praise from Harbaugh.
"Orlando has really, probably proven himself as a viable guy," Harbaugh said.
Hurst has more experience, but would be valuable as a backup because he can play both tackle and guard.
Nick Boyle is the starting tight end, followed by Maxx Williams, Hayden Hurst, and Mark Andrews.
Hurst, a first-round pick who enjoyed an impressive training camp, suffered a stress fracture in August and will miss the first several weeks of the regular season. Hurst had been the Ravens' best pass-catching tight end until he was injured.
Andrews, a third-round pick, may be the person most likely to fill the void. Andrews capped the preseason with his best game, making three catches for 61 yards, including a 45-yard reception that showed his run-after-catch ability. Boyle is the Ravens' top blocking tight end, which will earn him snaps, while Williams is an improved blocker with sure hands. This could be a true tight-end-by-committee situation, especially until Hurst returns.
