Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the "established" players won't be seen in the team's first preseason game.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter has revealed the plan for the team's first preseason game in terms of which players will be seen.
During a media session following practice, Minter stated that quarterback Lamar Jackson will not play. While that is not a surprise, the head coach also said that "established" players will not be seen.
"Some established players (are) not playing in this first game," Minter said. "Good opportunity for a lot of the guys. It's an individual basis I would say based on the experience and how many snaps they've played."
The choice not to play starters is something that is shared among many head coaches in the NFL, though there are also coaches who insist on getting their own established players a bit more time or snaps during preseason action.
What Minter said regarding a bigger "opportunity" for a lot of guys is far more interesting, as it does point to the younger players getting more chances to show what they can do in a real game setting.
Additionally, the secondary might also need some more more practice time due to the injury that occurred to Nate Wiggins.
Wiggins went down after getting tangled up with rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane, which led to the cornerback being carted off the field. Minter indicated there is "optimism" regarding the injury, but more information has yet to be provided.
That said, the preseason games will be a bigger chance for younger corners to get more snaps.
T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin, and Chandler Rivers are all younger players whom Minter spoke about during his presser that could see some sizable playing time in this first matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
That is not to mention the other units that may feature younger players in prominent roles, such as running back and rookie Adam Randall.
Randall was selected by owner Steve Bisciotti, and he has since been making some noise in training camp. The former Clemson prospect transitioned from wide receiver to running back and could be a name to look for not only making the 53-man roster, but potentially carving out a rotational role on the line.
Linebacker Zion Young and wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Ja'Kobi Lane should also see some big action. The latter of the three names has been making his presence known plenty in camp.
Training camp and preseason are the final time in which head coaches can take stock of their rosters. With the cutdown from 90 to 53 happening by Aug. 30, Minter has a lot of work to do to get this Ravens team in the best shape possible.
