It's time for the bubble players and backups to win jobs.
The fourth and final preseason game is typically reserved for the second- and third-team players, giving them nearly a full game to show what they've got with extended reps.
Especially after the display the starters put on last week against Jacksonville, they may get the entire night off Thursday in St. Louis. Last year, quarterback Joe Flacco didn't see a snap.
Streeter May Be Sidelined
Rookie sixth-round wide receiver Tommy Streeter is trying to snag one of the final roster spots, but may be out due to a reported foot injury.
Streeter scored a 33-yard touchdown on one of his two receptions last week against the Jaguars. But he hasn't practiced since.
The Baltimore Sun reports that Streeter has a strained foot. That opens the door to fellow wideouts on the bubble, Logan Payne and rookie Deonte Thompson.
Head Coach John Harbaugh has not commented on Streeter's injury.
Kindle Hopes To Return For Finale
Outside linebacker Sergio Kindle has returned to practice without his non-contact red jersey, and hopes that means a return to the game too.
Kindle suffered a shoulder stinger in the second preseason game on Aug. 17 and missed last week's contest against Jacksonville.
Kindle is not a lock to make the 53-man roster, according to Harbaugh, and would benefit from making a lasting impression against the Rams.
Considine's Concussion Opens Door
Safety Sean Considine got "dinged" in the second preseason game against Detroit, then suffered a second, more serious concussion last week versus Jacksonville.
He hasn't practiced at all this week.
That leaves the door open for the other three safeties on the roster: rookies Christian Thompson, Omar Brown and Chyl Quarles. They will be handling the defensive and special teams duties.
Thompson, a fourth-round pick, has made seven total tackles and forced one fumble in the three preseason games. Brown has recovered all three of the team's forced fumbles and has an interception.
Tight Ends Won't Play
Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta returned to limited practice this week, but they aren't ready for a game yet.
"No chance," Harbaugh said Monday. "No chance of that."
Dickson and Pitta have been catching passes off the JUGS machine and have been doing blocking drills. Backup Billy Bajema and rookie free agent Matt Balasavage will shoulder the load once again.
Yanda May Sit Out
Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda hasn't practiced since last Monday when linebacker Chavis Williams rolled into his leg.
Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron eased concerns of any serious injury, saying Yanda could have played in last week's preseason game and will "absolutely" be ready by the regular-season opener.
However, they might simply opt to give the veteran more time to heal and rest given that the starters won't get much, or any, time at all Thursday.
