Joe Flacco's Status Up In The Air
The second preseason game is typically a chance to see the starters for about the entire first quarter.
But that approach might differ this year as starting quarterback Joe Flacco has yet to make his preseason debut after last season's torn ACL. The Ravens sat Flacco and several other veteran offensive players against Carolina last week, and they could decide to go that route again in Saturday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
Flacco made it clear when he met with reporters this week that he doesn't view preseason snaps as an absolute necessity for him.
"I'm not worried about it. I've played plenty of games," the nine-year veteran said. "I think the biggest reason to get back out there is to get back in live action and see what it feels like again. But it doesn't really take too long to do that, so whatever we do is going to be for a reason."
Even if Flacco plays, the Ravens will likely only use him for a couple of series.
Some of the other players who will likely see their playing time correspond with Flacco are wide receiver Mike Wallace, tight end Benjamin Watson, running back Justin Forsett and right guard Marshal Yanda. None of them suited up last week.
What About Terrell Suggs And Steve Smith?
The big story around the Under Armour Performance Center this week was the return of veteran outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.
They both came off the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and returned to practice, but don't expect them to suit up against the Colts.
Suggs would be the more likely of the two veterans to paly – he participated in full-contact drills in practice – but the Ravens aren't going to rush the 14-year veteran back to the field after last year's torn Achilles.
"I have some interest," Suggs said about playing in the preseason. "But collectively, between myself, the head ball coach and the trainers, we are going to decide what is best for us. We aren't going to say when – well, we don't know when. But we are going to decide, and make a plan and go forward."
Smith has already said he doesn't have much interest in playing during the preseason, and his focus is on returning for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11.
Ravens Likely To Make Debuts
A handful of Ravens sat out the season opener because of various minor injuries, but some of those key players returned to the field and could make their preseason debuts Saturday night.
That list includes wide receivers Michael Campanaro (strain) and Chris Moore (reported foot), and tight end Crockett Gillmore (hamstring).
Getting on the field is important for Campanaro, as he's working to prove he can shake the injury bug and be a reliable piece of the offense. He's also currently in line for the starting punt returner and kick returner jobs.
Moore, a rookie fourth-round pick, will also look to pick up where he left off before being sidelined with a foot injury the last couple of weeks.
Ravens Unlikely To Play
The players who missed practice time this week and are unlikely to play,including offensive lineman John Urschel (contusion), wide receiver Chris Matthews (undisclosed), tight ends Dennis Pitta (finger) and Maxx Williams (undisclosed), cornerback Kyle Arrington (undisclosed) and safety Kendrick Lewis (undisclosed).
The most notable player on this list is Urschel, as he's currently listed as the starting left guard. His injury will give rookie fourth rounder Alex Lewis and veteran newcomer Vladimir Ducasse an opportunity to prove themselves with increased game reps.
Lewis and Ducasse split reps in Urschel's absence during the week of practice, and the Ravens will take a look at both of them.
Luck To Make Debut
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will make his preseason debut.
Luck hasn't played since suffering a lacerated kidney on Nov. 8, and Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano wants to see his franchise quarterback knock some rust off.
"I'd like to get at least a quarter, maybe a quarter and a half with those guys," Pagano said. "Then you always play it by ear [and] see how things are going."
