Preseason Starters Rest
Ravens and Eagles Kick Off Preseason with Jackson, Hurts Resting
The Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles kick off their NFL preseason schedules against each other, with both teams looking to rebound from rough endings to last season. The News Tribune reports that neither starting quarterback will play — Lamar Jackson will sit for Baltimore, while Jalen Hurts is also expected to rest for Philadelphia.
The Ravens finished 8-9 last season and missed the playoffs after starting 1-5. The Eagles went 11-6 and won the NFC East but were knocked out in the wild card round by the San Francisco 49ers, according to Bradenton. Preseason games give backups and fringe players a rare chance to make their case for roster spots.
Backup QBs Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee Battle for Playing Time
With Hurts sitting out, Philadelphia's backup quarterback competition takes center stage. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are fighting for the No. 2 job behind Hurts. Kentucky notes that preseason games are the clearest test for players competing for backup roles, making this matchup worth watching even without the stars.
New Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter has confirmed Jackson will not suit up. Several other established Ravens players will also sit, including safety Kyle Hamilton. That means younger and depth players will get extended reps on both sides, according to Bellingham Herald.
Eagles and Ravens Both Trying to Forget Last Season's Struggles
Philadelphia's 11-6 regular season looked strong on paper, but the wild card loss to San Francisco stung. The Eagles won the NFC East division title yet could not advance past the first round of the playoffs.
Baltimore's season was even harder. The Ravens stumbled out of the gate at 1-5, a brutal start that proved too much to overcome. They finished 8-9 and stayed home in January, according to Ledger-Enquirer. Both franchises enter camp motivated to prove last year was not a true measure of their talent.
Key Skill Players Also Sitting Out the Preseason Opener
It is not just the quarterbacks who will watch from the sideline. Philadelphia wide receiver DeVonta Smith will not play, along with receiver Makai Lemon, according to Mod Bee. Resting star players in preseason is now standard practice across the NFL to avoid unnecessary injury risk.
For Baltimore, Kyle Hamilton's absence removes one of the best safeties in the league from the field. These absences shift the spotlight to bubble players — those fighting to make the 53-man final roster when cuts come at the end of August.
How and Where to Watch Ravens vs. Eagles
Fans looking to watch the game have several options. Local TV broadcasts will carry the game in both the Baltimore and Philadelphia markets. For those outside those areas or without cable, a livestream is the easiest route, according to The News Tribune.
Streaming services that carry live NFL games, including NFL+, are available for preseason matchups. NFL+ offers a mobile streaming option specifically for preseason games. Fans should check local listings for the specific channel and kickoff time in their area.
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