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Baltimore Ravens: Caution Is Best Preseason Policy

By Chris Schisler

Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ravens cannot risk more than they have to in the NFL Preseason

The Baltimore Ravens must be cautious in the preseason. This is a team that cannot risk adding to their injury concerns for four exhibition games. The Ravens must instead showcase their young talent and allow competitions for roster spots to play out.

Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers will probably be a Flacco free affair. There is no point in risking an injury to the franchise quarterback. Flacco may get some work in the second and third games. It’s not like the starters will sit completely for the next four weeks. The Ravens are less concerned about getting veterans reps and more concerned with preserving them.

This may make for a less fan friendly experience. The preseason is always complained about. That does not matter in the grand scheme of things. If a core player got hurt in the preseason, the same fans who were clamoring for the starters to play, will be miserable.

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The Ravens have good news. According to reports Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and Steve Smith Sr. are on pace to play in the regular season opener. There is no reason to rush it with these key players. They are so experienced that they don’t need the preseason. These guys are leaders and you know they’ll be game ready.

Breshad Perriman is also expected to be back for the regular season. Perriman is essentially going into his rookie season all over again. His transition to the playing field is different from the Ravens recovering veterans.

The Ravens have so many position battles. They have competition at a position in every level of the defense and a handful of offensive positions. This preseason is for young players and guys who have to earn a roster spot.

This preseason is for undrafted free agents like Victor Ochi. This preseason will determine the Ravens running back situation. This preseason is about what the Ravens finding out what they don’t know about their young players.

Next: Ravens Key In Continuing Maryland Sports Perfect Year

The Ravens injury concerns are already daunting. The only thing that matters is that this talented roster is healthy in September.

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