OWINGS MILLS – In a contrast to previous years, the Baltimore
Ravens are currently planning to play several offensive starters
during a preseason finale Thursday night against the Atlanta
Falcons.

That would include quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens’ new-look
offensive line consisting of left tackle Bryant McKinnie, left
guard Ben Grubbs, center Matt Birk, right guard Marshal Yanda and
right tackle Michael Oher.

“Yeah as of now, I think I will,” said Flacco, who hasn’t played in
the fourth preseason game for the past two years. “I don’t know how
much.”

McKinnie was just signed last week to a two-year deal worth up to
$7.5 million.

Birk missed the first three preseason games after undergoing knee
surgery.

Yanda has been sidelined with back spasms.

And Oher is moving over from left tackle.

Grubbs is the lone lineman to play every preseason game at his
usual spot.

“Any work is good work,” Grubbs said. “They call our number, we’ll
be ready.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh declined to get into any specifics when
asked how he’ll utilize his starters against Atlanta.

The lack of preparation time due to the NFL lockout wiping out the
entire offseason is a factor in the decision.

“We’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “That’s my thoughts on it. We’re just
going to see how we’re going to handle it. It’s really to be
determined.

“We’ve talked about it and we’re going to figure it out, but it is
different and that’s why it’s not as cut and dry as it usually
is.”

Building timing with the offensive line, though, could be a
valuable reason to do something out of the box.

“It would help, it’d be better than them not playing, but there’s
risks involved with that,” Harbaugh said. “So, that’s the
dilemma.”

BIG GAME: This marks a big game for veteran wide
receiver James Hardy.

The former Buffalo Bills second-round pick hasn’t played in any
preseason games and has rarely practiced due to a chronic hamstring
injury.

He has been practicing this week and is expected to play
extensively against the Falcons. It’s his last shot to impress the
coaching staff and earn a roster spot.

“We just haven’t seen him, and it’s no fault of his own,” Harbaugh
said. “He’s worked really hard to get that hamstring back. The
trainers will tell you, he’s been a model citizen in there. But
this was a big camp for him and he missed it. So, this is his one
shot.”

LAWRENCE PLACED ON IR: Running back Matt Lawrence
was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, ending his
season and getting the Ravens down to the NFL roster limit of 80
players.

This marks the third year in a row that the former University of
Massachusetts player has been placed on injured reserve.

Lawrence missed last season due to a knee injury after beginning
the year on the physically unable to perform list.

The Ravens could opt to remove Lawrence from injured reserve and
shed his salary by negotiating an injury settlement.

INJURY UPDATES: Wide receiver Lee Evans (left
foot) didn’t practice for the third day in a row.

Cornerback Chris Carr (left hamstring) and offensive lineman Mark
LeVoir (undisclosed) didn’t practice for the second consecutive
day.

LeVoir’s unspecified injury isn’t believed to be serious and he’s
expected to return soon.

QUICK HITS: Once Flacco and rookie Tyrod Taylor
are out of the game, the coaches plan to look at third quarterback
Hunter Cantwell. “You just look for him to play well,” Harbaugh
said. “He’s made some throws and he’s gotten better in practice.
I’d like to see that show up in a game. “Run the offense, make the
protection adjustments, all those different things. It’s a great
opportunity for Hunter, just like all the other guys.” … This is
the Ravens’ first road trip of the season where they have to board
an airplane to get there. “For the veterans, it’s no big deal,”
Harbaugh said. “For the young guys, it’ll be interesting for them.
That’s a loud stadium even in the preseason. We’ve been there
before. For the guys that make the team, it’s really important
because they’ll understand how that works now for the regular
season.” … The Ravens didn’t use offensive guard Jason Murphy
against the Redskins after signing him to a one-year deal. He’s
slated to play a lot against the Falcons, though. “This is my
chance, really,” said Murphy, a Baltimore native. “It’s a great
line. I think I can be a great supporting help to them.”

Reach staff writer Aaron Wilson at 410-857-7896 or
sports@carrollcountytimes.com.

 

 

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