BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Ravens’ starting lineup will finally get a test match against an opponent from another city this week after missing the first two preseason games.
The Ravens will travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin on Wednesday for a one-day joint practice against the Packers on Thursday.
Ravens MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson will get a chance to face Green Bay’s starting defense a few times.
“A little competition, just not competing against my guys, finally competing against someone else,” Jackson said. “It will be great to see how we do against other opponents.”
Many teams use these joint training sessions to prepare their regular players instead of increasing the risk of injury in pre-season games.
The final roster spots will be decided after the season finale on Saturday at Lambeau Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
“I’m very competitive and that’s why I want to play, but at the same time I know why coach keeps us off the field,” Jackson said. “I’d rather play in the regular season than just go out there and let things happen.”
Jackson will have the opportunity to build chemistry with his offense against the Green Bay Packers, who made it to the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs last season before losing to San Francisco.
One of the Ravens’ position groups with question marks is the offensive line, where they lost three regular players last season.
Tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum are the two returning starters in the lineup.
“The guys are progressing very well. We have a very young group,” Jackson said. “I think this is the youngest group I’ve been a part of since I’ve been in the league. We have Ronnie (Stanley) at tackle, Tyler (Linderbaum), those guys are the leaders of the line.”
The Packers are led on offense by quarterback Jordan Love, running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Christian Watson. On defense, they have linebackers Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie, defensive end Rashan Gary and cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is looking forward to the challenge.
“When both teams come in with the same idea, you have two good football teams trying to take advantage of the opportunity to practice against another good football team and have a good football practice, that’s what you want,” Harbaugh said. “We’re excited to take on Green Bay. We think they’re that kind of group, a good football team, a proven team.”
