The Baltimore Ravens will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Saturday night's preseason opener, providing the first look at Jesse Minter's team against an NFL opponent.
Whether Lamar Jackson will be part of that debut remains uncertain.
Minter hasn't announced a plan for Jackson or Baltimore's other established starters. The decision presents an interesting debate because the Ravens are installing a new offense under coordinator Declan Doyle while adjusting to a new coaching staff. Jackson would benefit from facing an unfamiliar defense. Baltimore must weigh those potential gains against the obvious risk of injury to its franchise quarterback from playing in an exhibition game.
Lamar Jackson has not played in the preseason since 2021
Jackson's last preseason appearance came in 2021. The Ravens have become
increasingly cautious with their most important players, preferring to generate competitive work during training camp and joint practices.
Baltimore has three joint practices scheduled later this summer. The Ravens will work against the Minnesota Vikings before the second preseason game and host the Washington Commanders ahead of the finale. Those sessions can provide Jackson with game-like repetitions in a more controlled environment. According to Baltimore’s official website, joint practices are one reason most starters could remain sidelined until Week 1.
Jackson's injury history will also factor into the decision. He missed four games last season, and Baltimore finished 8-9 after entering the year with championship expectations. Protecting his health is more important than giving him a few preseason possessions.
Ravens’ new offense creates an argument for limited work
Doyle's arrival gives Minter at least one reason to consider allowing the starting offense to play a series or two.
Jackson is learning new terminology, formations and pre-snap responsibilities. The Ravens have experimented with motions and different alignments while asking the quarterback to take greater ownership of the system. Live action against Philadelphia would test Baltimore's communication, substitution process and operation of the play clock. It would also allow the new coaching staff to experience game-day communication before the regular season begins.
That doesn't mean Jackson needs an entire quarter. A short, controlled appearance could provide useful work before Minter turns the offense over to Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson and Joe Fagnano.
The safest decision is to sit Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens have little to gain from exposing Jackson to Philadelphia's pass rush. The Eagles can deploy several dangerous edge defenders, and Baltimore is still evaluating portions of its offensive line. Ronnie Stanley remains one of the league's better left tackles, but the competition at center is unsettled. Rookie Vega Ioane is preparing for a starting role, while several reserve linemen are still learning Doyle's offense.
Baltimore also has injury concerns at wide receiver. Zay Flowers is day-to-day with a quad contusion after colliding with Jaylinn Hawkins during practice. There is no reason to place Flowers at risk, and playing Jackson without his top receiver would reduce the value of his appearance. Minter may choose to give some starters limited work, but Jackson should be among those protected. Huntley and Thompson need the snaps, while Fagnano is attempting to earn a developmental role.
The Ravens already know what Jackson can provide. Saturday is more important for determining which players are capable of helping him once the regular season begins.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Will Ravens play Lamar Jackson and key starters against the Eagles?
