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BALTIMORE — After a 44-16 win over Tampa Bay in the preseason opener, the Ravens hope to build on what was an up-and-down performance from their starting units in their first live-game action of the summer.
Coach John Harbaugh said starters will likely play most of the first half against the Atlanta Falcons, but that’s always subject to change based on how the game progresses and preferences to rest certain starters more than others. Of course, starters are expected to receive their most extensive action in next week’s all-important third preseason game.
Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda, cornerback Lardarius Webb, defensive tackle Marcus Spears, and tight end Ed Dickson were among the notable names scratched for Thursday’s game. Spears has been dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason opener while Yanda and Webb are still practicing on a limited basis.
Wide receiver Brandon Stokley and tight end Dallas Clark both suited up to at least go through pre-game warmups and weren’t listed as inactive, but it remained to be seen prior to the game whether either would play against the Falcons. Stokley took part in two full practices earlier this week while Clark only had one.
(Updated 7:35 p.m. — Clark was scratched for Thursday’s game right before the kickoff.)
For the Falcons, future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez will not play Thursday night.
Thursday night marks the 10th time these teams have met in the preseason, with the Ravens holding a 6-3 edge. The regular-season series is tied 2-2 with the Falcons winning their most recent meeting in 2010.
The Ravens will wear their purple jerseys with white pants while Atlanta wears its white tops and white pants.
Here are the inactives…
BALTIMORE
CB Lardarius Webb
DT Marcus Spears
CB Chris Johnson
LB Jameel McClain
DE Kapron Lewis-Moore
G Marshal Yanda
OL Ryan Jensen
WR Deonte Thompson
TE Ed Dickson
TE Dennis Pitta
ATLANTA
TE Tony Gonzalez
FB Bradie Ewing
RB Jason Snelling
LB Sean Weatherspoon
Be sure to follow WNST on Twitter throughout the evening as Glenn Clark, Nestor Aparicio, and I bring live coverage from M&T Bank Stadium.
