The Ravens play the Chicago Bears in the annual Hall of Fame game Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. Ravens coach John Harbaugh would not tip his hand this week as to which players will get the most snaps. However, it’s unlikely key starters will get many reps, if any at all.
However, there are several intriguing storylines heading into this game.
Here are the top 5:
1. All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson. While the veteran Robert Griffin III is likely to start the game, Jackson should earn some important minutes. It will be the first time that he faces full contact as an NFL player. Jackson said earlier this week that he will not shy away from running the ball. However, coach John Harbaugh might want to limit the number of hits Jackson absorbs. The team obviously wants to break camp with Jackson fully healthy.
2. Speaking of Griffin, this will also be the first time he has played in a game since 2016. He has looked solid throughout training camp and he is eager to show that he can be an effective NFL quarterback. Griffin will have to show the Ravens he belongs on the final roster as a third quarterback. It is also the first time in the history of the Hall of Fame game that two former Heisman Trophy winners took snaps at quarterback for the same team.
3. The Ravens are deep at wide receiver and several of these players will need to shine in the preseason to make the team. Two of the most intriguing prospects are Jaleel Scott and Jordan Lasley, both of whom have made some nice receptions during camp. Both players have the potential to be difference-makers and should get plenty of opportunities Thursday night with veterans Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead and John Brown watching from the sidelines.
4. Tim White has the inside track as the starting returner. He will get the opportunity to further distance himself from the rest of the pack against Chicago. White is having one of the best training camps of any player on the roster. He will also get some chances to catch passes as a wideout. White has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker this season. “Tim is going to get the first shot – he’s earned that. So, when we line up in Canton, Ohio, at 8 o’clock on Thursday night, ‘14’ is going to trot it out there,” special teams coordinator/associate head coach Jerry Rosburg said.
5. Several young players will also get an opportunity to shine on defense. Safety DeShon Elliott, a sixth-round pick from Texas, has been a thumper in practice. He could provide a few jarring hits in this game. Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale likes Elliott’s aggressiveness. Linebacker Kenny Young, a fourth-round pick from UCLA, is competing with Patrick Onwuasor for the starting spot next to C.J. Mosley. The Ravens like Young’s skills in pass coverage and he will get to showcase some of that talent Thursday night.
