The starting lineup for Sunday’s season opener in Denver is becoming clearer.
The team released its first regular-season depth chart Tuesday, giving indications about certain positions that are up in the air.
Here are some takeaways:
Campanaro Is The Starting Returner
The starting returner jobs is one of the biggest question marks entering the season after the Ravens cut Jacoby Jones in February and then Asa Jackson over the weekend. Second-year receiver Michael Campanaro
certainly looks to be in line for the returner reps, as he’s the only return man listed on the depth chart. Veterans Steve Smith Sr. or Lardarius Webb could still get chances in the return game, but neither of them are listed on the depth chart in that role.
Webb Still Starting
The question about whether Webb would be ready for Week 1 has lingered after a hamstring injury sidelined him for much of training camp and the entire preseason. He returned to practice last week and is listed as the starting cornerback opposite Jimmy Smith. Rashaan Melvin created some buzz based on his play as a potential replacement for Webb in the starting lineup, but he’s listed as the backup behind Smith. Free-agent signing Kyle Arrington is listed as Webb’s backup, but Arrington likely to see plenty of time as the slot cornerback in three-wide sets.
Expect Aiken Next To Smith Sr.
As rookie Breshad Perriman continues to miss time with a knee injury, Kamar Aiken has earned his way into the starting lineup. He’s now listed ahead of Perriman as the starter alongside veteran Steve Smith Sr. Aiken caught 24 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns last season, but he’s been the most dependable receiver this summer not named Smith. He has sure hands and the ability to make contested catches that keep drives alive. Marlon Brown is listed as a second-string receiver, with Campanaro and rookie Darren Waller on the third string.
Urschel Jack of All Trades
Second-year offensive lineman John Urschel wears many hats along the offensive front, as he’s the backup at center and both guard positions. James Hurst is also the backup at both tackle spots, while Ryan Jensen is listed as the third-string center. The versatility of Urschel and Hurst to play multiple positions was a big part of the reason the Ravens cut Jah Reid and kept only eight offensive linemen.
Lewis-Moore Second-String
Kapron Lewis-Moore was one of the feel-good stories of the weekend, making the team after a pair of serious injuries cost him his first two NFL seasons. Now the depth chart suggests that Lewis-Moore could be in line for an important role this week, as he’s the backup defensive tackle behind Timmy Jernigan, who is currently nursing a knee injury. If Jernigan can’t go, then Lewis-Moore could see a significant number of snaps because he’s listed ahead of fourth-year defensive lineman Christo Bilukidi.
