Expect Standard Plan For Starters

The Ravens are heading into the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers Thursday night with a normal gameplan in terms of playing time for the starters.

The first-team units typically play about a quarter during the first week of the preseason, and Head Coach John Harbaugh indicated that would again be the case this year.

"We're kind of on a standard plan right now, as far as that," Harbaugh said. "I don't know exactly the number of plays yet, but it won't be anything we haven't done in the past."

The exact play counts vary for individual players, as veterans like Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata usually play less than first-time starters. The coaching staff may also give quarterback Joe Flacco a few series to get a feel for the new offense in a game situation.

Flacco indicated that this year's preseason has more weight for the offense given the scheme change. 

"Anytime you're running a new offense and you think you're doing it pretty well, it's always nice to get out there and have a real test, and have people hitting you and flying around and going full speed under the lights," Flacco said. "It's probably a little bit more important."

The early part of the preseason is also a time to get rookies plenty of live experience, even if they are expected play key roles in the regular season. First-round pick C.J. Mosley is listed as the starting inside linebacker, but he expects to get plenty of reps against the 49ers.

"For me it's a regular-season football game," Mosley said. "For a lot of guys, they get a few drives and they're done. For me, it's a time to showcase my talent. I've been stacking my days up in practice and now it's time to go all out and show it on the field."

Webb and Cody Will Not Play

Teams are not required to do an official injury report during the preseason, which makes it challenging to know whether certain players dealing with injuries will take the field.

A certainty for the Ravens is that cornerback Lardarius Webb will not play in the first two preseason game as he deals with a back injury.

"This early part of camp – I just don't want to put him through this on his back," Harbaugh said. "I just would rather keep him out of this first part of training camp, and we'll just see how it feels more toward the end of camp."

In addition to Webb, defensive lineman Terrence Cody (hip) and offensive guard Will Rackley (concussion) are also not expected to play. Cody is currently on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) as he recovers from offseason surgery.

Campanaro, Jernigan, D. Smith Up In Air

The playing status of a few other recently-banged up players are up in the air.

Inside linebacker Daryl Smith (groin) returned to practice Monday after missing five straight, but didn't participate in team drills. The Ravens may not want to risk further injury Thursday night.

Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (back) did participate in team drills for the first time Monday since returning from injury. He told Harbaugh that he plans on playing against the 49ers.

Rookie wide receiver Michael Campanaro is also dealing with a reported rib injury that held him out of Monday's practice, and his status for Thursday is unknown. 

Lewis-Moore To Make Debut

Defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore will play in his first professional game after being a sixth-round pick last season. He spent last year on the PUP list and injured reserve because of a torn ACL that he suffered in the final game of his college career.

Lewis-Moore is back to full strength after having a year to recover, and he has been impressive during training camp.

"I'm excited. I'm hyped," Lewis-Moore said. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. It's been a long time since I played football. I'm excited to get out there and have some fun."