BALTIMORE — Drawing many conclusions about the Ravens offense in Thursday’s preseason opener against Washington won’t be easy.
Dealing with a number of injuries and wanting to keep other veterans out of harm’s way, head coach John Harbaugh held nine key offensive players out of Thursday’s exhibition contest with the Redskins. Quarterback Joe Flacco (back), wide receiver Breshad Perriman (hamstring), and projected starting offensive linemen Marshal Yanda (shoulder), Alex Lewis (undisclosed), and Austin Howard (shoulder) were all sitting out for health reasons, but veteran wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace, running back Danny Woodhead, and tight end Benjamin Watson joined them on the sideline as healthy scratches.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore defense was suiting up its full assortment of healthy players as the likes of linebackers Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley and defensive backs Eric Weddle and Jimmy Smith were all going through pre-game warmups. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey, Sheldon Price, and Maurice Canady were the only notable defensive players who weren’t suited up to play.
Other players out for Thursday’s game included wide receiver Kenny Bell (hamstring) and linebacker Lamar Louis (undisclosed).
The Ravens were wearing white jerseys and white pants while Washington donned burgundy tops with gold pants as these NFL neighbors were meeting in the preseason for the 10th time since 2003. Baltimore holds a 6-3 advantage in preseason encounters.
