The Ravens will lean on their rookies in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
Guard/center John Urschel and cornerback Will Davis are both inactive, meaning rookie fourth-round pick Alex Lewis will start at left guard and rookie fourth-round pick Tavon Young will be the nickel cornerback.
With Lewis starting, the Ravens will have a pair of rookies starting on the left side of the offensive line, as Lewis will be next to first-round left tackle Ronnie Stanley. They will be tested by Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan's exotic and aggressive blitzing.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, it's the first time rookies have started at left tackle and left guard in a season opener since 1995 – 21 years ago.
"I've never seen it before where two [rookies] start on the offensive line, because that is tough," Ryan said this week. "There's so much to it. Those two guys, I'm sure have done a great job studying and things, but it's not easy, that's for sure."
The biggest surprise inactive may be running back Buck Allen, which leaves the Ravens with just two active running backs: Justin Forsett and Terrance West. Allen was not listed on the injury report, so he is a healthy scratch.
Forsett is expected to start, and he'll likely share the load with West. The Ravens could also use fullback Kyle Juszczyk to run the ball if needed.
Cornerback* *Jerraud Powers (ankle), rookie running back Kenneth Dixon (knee) and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (foot) were all ruled out on Friday. Urschel (shoulder) practiced fully all week but was listed as questionable.
Baltimore's healthy scratches are defensive tackle Willie Henry, Davis and Allen.
The Ravens chose to activate rookie cornerback Maurice Canady and cornerback Sheldon Price over Davis. Rookie wide receiver Chris Moore is also active.
Tight end Maxx Williams (knee) and starting cornerback Shareece Wright (foot) were listed as questionable and both will suit up.
Buffalo's inactives are quarterback Cardale Jones, wide receiver Walter Powell, cornerback Kevon Seymour, running back Jonathan Williams, safety Colt Anderson, linebacker Bryson Albright and center Patrick Lewis.
