Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson out for first preseason game; Arthur Maulet out with injury
Giana Han, The Baltimore Banner
Jackson has played one preseason game and just six snaps (all in 2021) in the last three years. Coach John Harbaugh said backup quarterback Josh Johnson will be out there Friday.
New star running back Derrick Henry will also reportedly be on the sidelines, according to NFL Network.
Similarly, you probably won’t see most of the starters. Harbaugh said they will play during the preseason but it’s not likely they’ll be featured in the first game.
“We’ll see most of those guys out there — I don’t know about this game, if every one of those guys will be out there,” Harbaugh said.
Ben Cleveland will most likely fill in for Linderbaum. Harbaugh said the Ravens are being cautious with Linderman because he can come back in without many live reps. Roger Rosengarten and Patrick Mekari have been competing at right tackle while Andrew Voorhees has been working at left guard and Daniel Faalele at right.
The biggest battles are the three offensive line positions and third safety. However, with wide receiver Rashod Bateman out with an injury, there’s an opportunity for other receivers to make a splash. That includes third-round pick Devontez Walker and newly signed veteran Russell Gage. There’s also an open battle for the third running back spot while Keaton Mitchell is recovering.
Arthur Maulet to Have Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Clifton Brown, BaltimoreRavens.com
Nickel cornerback Arthur Maulet will have arthroscopic knee surgery, Head Coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday.
The procedure will not be season-ending and Maulet’s status will be revisited as it gets closer to Week 1.
“He’s going to have a scope surgery, a cleanup type of a situation,” Harbaugh said. “It will keep him out for a little while but not long-term by any stretch. We can revisit it as we get close to the start of the season and talk about it.”
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton and three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey are both very effective playing the slot in Baltimore’s versatile defense. Safety Ar’Darius Washington and third-year cornerback Pepe Williams, who are having strong training camps, can also play slot corner and could see more reps in that role.
Trenton Simpson played sparingly as a rookie. The Ravens are betting he’s ready for much more.
Childs Walker, The Baltimore Sun
“The linebacker is the quarterback of the defense,” Simpson said. “He’s the person who sets the tone. Everything starts with the linebacker. It’s a pride thing. You’ve got to call the calls, set the front. When you have a great linebacker, I feel like that’s what makes a great defense.”
He possesses every physical tool required and a mature outlook honed in a military family. Teammates and coaches don’t hesitate to offer bullish predictions on how he’ll handle the promotion.
“The guy works his tail off like no other,” said Simpson’s All-Pro linebacking partner, Roquan Smith. “Always trying to find ways to get better, and you can see day-in and day-out his approach to the game, his extra meeting time, and the guy is probably one of the most athletic people on the team, if not [the most]. Jumps out of the gym, 4.3[-second 40-yard dash] speed, can do everything. With more reps and him putting it all together, I think the guy really has a chance to special, and he has that hungry attitude, so I’m just excited to go to work with him.”
Of Pro Football Focus’ top 20 graded inside linebackers who played at least 600 defensive snaps last season, only two were in their first or second seasons.
“It’s always a step in this league,” coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s going to be expanding his responsibilities greatly, but he’s done much to earn that opportunity.”
32 Teams, 32 Players: Intriguing Players For Every 2024 NFL Training Camp
Ari Meirov, 33rd Team
BALTIMORE RAVENS: CB JALYN ARMOUR-DAVIS
A former fourth-round pick out of Alabama, Armour-Davis has appeared in just 12 of 34 games during his first two seasons due to injury. The Ravens have long been fans of his coverage skills and knack for finding the football.
So far this summer, he has stayed healthy and has been a bright spot in the Ravens’ defense. The expectation is that he’ll have a role as an outside corner as long as he can stay on the field.
49ers, Eagles, Dolphins lead NFL skill position group top-10 rankings
Ted Nguyen, The Athletic
10. Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers looks on his way to becoming a No. 1 receiver. If Rashod Bateman stays healthy, he’s a very good No. 2 receiver. Mark Andrews is one of the NFL’s best receiving tight ends and Isaiah Likely is the league’s best second tight end. Derrick Henry is still elite but it would be wise to lighten his usual load, which is where Justice Hill comes in. Also, Keaton Mitchell will return at some point — he looked electric before his injury last season.