Can Breshad Perriman Make A Splash?
It's finally no longer a question of when Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman will play his first game. Now it's a matter of how big an impact he can make in it. Perriman will suit up Thursday night for his first game since Dec. 26, 2014, when he was in college. If Perriman can come out of the gate with big plays, it will prove that he can have an impact role in the offense as early as Week 1. The Ravens envision Perriman being a prominent figure, but the question is how quickly that can happen given his two knee injuries and extended time away.* *
Wide Receivers Will Battle Till The End
Wide receiver Jeremy Butler has made a strong pitch to make the 53-man roster with touchdowns in each of the last two preseason games. He's leading the team in receiving this preseason. But he's still on the bubble due to the abundance of depth at the position. Another strong game could push him onto the team. Rookie sixth-round pick Keenan Reynolds has one punt return and no catches so far this preseason, but should see his most extensive action yet.* *
Reserve Defensive Backs To Be Tested
Saints Head Coach Sean Payton plans to play his starters in the first quarter, and that will reportedly include starting Pro Bowl and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Bees. It's an atypical move, but Payton may be doing so to get momentum after an 0-3 start to the preseason. It will be a great test for the Ravens' reserve defensive backs, including safety Terrence Brooks and cornerbacks Will Davis, Sheldon Price and Maurice Canady.* *
Suspended Tight Ends Have Chance To Impress
Thursday's game will be the final chance for tight ends Darren Waller and Nick Boyle to make an impression before beginning their four- and 10-game suspensions, respectively. The Ravens will have to make a determination on whether they make room for the young tight ends once they return. Head Coach John Harbaugh said, "they are guys that figure into our future," and a good game in New Orleans would help put a positive lasting image in Harbaugh's mind.* *
Other Battles On The Bubble
There are a number of players who could change their roster fortunes based on the final preseason game. Some to watch include Butler, offensive linemen Ryan Jensen, Vladimir Ducasse, James Hurst and De'Ondre Wesley, Canady, linebacker Chris Carter and defensive linemen Willie Henry, Michael Pierce and Kapron Lewis-Moore. Keep an eye on who is playing on special teams because that can be an indication of who could take the last few roster spots.
