The Ravens will rest Lamar Jackson and several established starters during Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, shifting the attention toward the competitions further down the depth chart. Baltimore’s starting lineup is mostly settled, but questions remain at center and inside linebacker. The Ravens must also determine their depth at cornerback and wide receiver while deciding how many quarterbacks to carry on the initial 53-man roster.
A single preseason performance will not override everything that has happened during training camp. It can change momentum, however, particularly when several players remain closely grouped.
Here are five Ravens position battles that could shift against Philadelphia.
Center
Ethan Pocic, Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn are competing to replace Tyler Linderbaum, making center Baltimore’s most important unresolved starting position.
Pocic possesses a substantial experience advantage with 97 career starts, but he joined the competition late after recovering from a torn Achilles. Pinter and Gwyn divided first-team repetitions throughout the spring and have had more time to learn Declan Doyle’s offense.
The opener will test each candidate’s exchanges, protection calls and communication with Baltimore’s young guards. Their ability to handle Philadelphia’s defensive tackle depth could significantly influence the competition. Offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford expects the evaluation to continue throughout camp, but one candidate can begin to create separation on Saturday.
Inside linebacker
Roquan Smith’s starting job is secure, but the situation beside him remains unsettled because Teddye Buchanan is still working back from the knee injury that ended his rookie season. Trenton Simpson has handled the available first-team repetitions and enters a contract year after producing 66 tackles and 2½ sacks in 2025. His experience and athleticism give him an opportunity to establish a meaningful role even after Buchanan returns.
The deeper competition involves Jay Higgins IV and undrafted rookies Dominic DeLuca and Reid Williford. Their defensive performance will matter, but coverage ability, tackling and special-teams production could determine which reserve linebackers make the roster.
Cornerback depth
Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey are expected to return to practice next week after dealing with relatively minor injuries. Their absence Saturday creates an important opportunity for Baltimore’s reserve cornerbacks.
T.J. Tampa has stacked productive practices and appears positioned for a larger role. Keyon Martin and rookie Chandler Rivers have also earned praise from Jesse Minter, while Lardarius Webb Jr., Robert Longerbeam, Marquise Robinson and Amani Oruwariye remain part of a crowded competition.
Philadelphia’s deep receiver group will provide a demanding test. The Ravens will evaluate more than completions allowed. Tackling, communication and special-teams versatility will help determine who earns the final cornerback spots.
Wide receiver
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman lead the position, but Baltimore’s No. 3 receiver role remains available.
Ja’Kobi Lane has generated the most training camp attention with his collection of contested and highlight-reel catches. Devontez Walker entered camp with the inside track after catching six passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns last season, while fourth-round pick Elijah Sarratt offers strength and yards-after-catch ability.
Veteran Chris Moore’s special-teams experience could help secure his roster spot, leaving the preseason to sort out the remaining order. Lane must translate his camp production into game action, while Walker and Sarratt need to demonstrate that they can create separation and execute consistently within the offense.
Backup quarterback
Tyler Huntley enters the season as Lamar Jackson’s primary backup, leaving Austin Reed and undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano to compete for the developmental No. 3 role. Baltimore signed Reed after placing Skylar Thompson on injured reserve. Reed brings some familiarity with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle from their time together with the Chicago Bears, but he must absorb the Ravens’ terminology and establish timing with his receivers on an accelerated schedule.
Fagnano has the advantage of spending the offseason and training camp in Baltimore’s system. Saturday’s preseason opener gives him an important opportunity to demonstrate command of the huddle, sound decision-making and consistent ball placement.
Jackson will not play against Philadelphia, which should create an extended workload for Huntley and potential snaps for both Reed and Fagnano. Huntley can reinforce his standing by protecting the football and operating the offense efficiently. Reed and Fagnano are fighting to convince the Ravens that a third quarterback deserves either a spot on the initial 53-man roster or a developmental place on the practice squad.
The corrected quarterback room is:
- Lamar Jackson
- Tyler Huntley
- Austin Reed
- Joe Fagnano
- Skylar Thompson — injured reserve
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens-Eagles opener could reshape five roster competitions