Basics
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m., Northwest Stadium
TV: ESPN+ (out-of-market), WBAL Ch. 11 (Baltimore), WJLA (Washington), WWCW (Roanoke), WUPV (Richmond), WTVZ-TV (Norfolk), WMDT (Delmarva), and more. Ravens crew Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst), Evan Washburn (sideline)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM/101.5 FM, 98 Rock (97.9 FM), and TV simulcast
History
In the team's last preseason meeting in 2023, the Commanders defeated the Ravens, 29-28, snapping Baltimore's NFL-record 24 consecutive preseason victories. The Commanders won on a 49-yard last-minute field goal. Josh Johnson completed 10 of 12 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns, including one to then-rookie Zay Flowers.
Key Storylines
How will the Ravens' reserve safeties stack up?
Several safeties are looking to solidify their spot on the Ravens' 53-man roster. Second-year safeties Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade and undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery have all had solid training camps. Kane has earned snaps with the first-team defense, while Brade and Lowery have been flying around and making plays on the ball. In the final preseason game, all three players will have the opportunity to demonstrate their value.
How will Cooper Rush and Devin Leary look in their final preseason game?
Rush and Leary bounced back in last week's game against the Cowboys, combining for 251 yards after throwing for just 59 in the first preseason game. Rush carried the load against his former team with 198 yards on 20 of 30 pass attempts while playing in the first half. Head Coach John Harbaugh said both quarterbacks will get similar reps against the Commanders. Finishing the preseason on a strong note would help their confidence if called upon during the regular season.
Will RB Rasheen Ali cement his spot on the 53-man roster?
Harbaugh said after last week's game that the plan is to keep four running backs on the 53-man roster. Ali would be the fourth behind Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell. The second-year back has been a valuable kick returner and rusher during the preseason, recording 62 yards on 19 carries versus the Cowboys. Ali will look to solidify his spot with another strong showing.
Players to Watch
DL Aneas Peebles
Peebles has emerged as a potential gem on the Ravens' defensive line. The sixth-round rookie has shown great flashes during training camp and preseason action. Defensive Line Coach Dennis Johnson said Peebles has "elite" get off and has improved as a run defender. If he plays well in another preseason game, it could help him get more snaps in the regular season.
S Beau Brade
With the emergence of Lowery, the Ravens could keep five safeties on the 53-man roster, including Brade. The second-year safety was active at Monday's practice, deflecting multiple passes and recording an interception, and was a special teams contributor last season as a rookie. A strong preseason game against the Commanders would help Brade's case to return to the 53-man roster.
"Beau is good enough to make the team, and he's right there with those decisions we're going to have to make," Harbaugh said. "But, I think I would be very comfortable with Beau being out there playing football for us, playing special teams and playing defense."
ILB Jay Higgins IV
Higgins has shined in the first two preseason games with an interception, sack-strip, multiple pass deflections, and nine tackles. The Ravens have to decide whether they're willing to keep five inside linebackers. If Higgins has another good game, especially on special teams, he'll make it a tough call.
