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Ravens at Indy: What to watch for vs. Colts

Posted at 4:43 PM, Aug 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-19 16:50:31-04

It’s been a big week for the Ravens out in Owings Mills.  The final week of Training Camp saw the return of outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and Steve Smith Sr. from injury.  Both are coming back from Achilles injuries.  They joined quarterback Joe Flacco on the field.  Flacco is on the way back from a knee injury.  Even though the trio suited up for practice, don’t expect them to play in Saturday’s preseason game in Indianapolis.  Flacco said that’s just fine.

“I’m not worried about it. I’ve played plenty of games,” said Flacco.   “I think the biggest reason to get back out there is to get back in live action and see what it feels like again.  But it doesn’t really take that long to do that.”

Preseason game number two is more about those ‘bubble’ players trying to earn their sports on the regular season roster.  Players like rookie draft pick Kenneth Dixon, who led Baltimore in rushing in last week’s preseason opener against Carolina.  Dixon will see time at running back and in a rather unfamiliar position on special teams.

“I’ll do anything that’s going to help put this team in position to win,” said Dixon.  “This is my first time doing kick returns since high school, but I’m very excited to do it.”

Dixon has to have another standout game if he wants a sniff at cracking the final roster.  He’s among a handful of running backs all competing for a job.

“It is going to be a challenge balancing the carries.  We want to make sure they all get enough work,” said Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh.  “We have four guys that are doing very well.  We’re going to have to let that shake out.  Over the course of the game we’re going to have to see how it goes.”

Another player to keep an eye on is River Hill High School grad Michael Campanaro.  The receiver and return specialist has dealt with various injuries over his two-year career.  He’s trying to get back in the groove in 2016.

You can watch the Ravens-Colts game live on ABC2.  Kickoff is Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter:  @StepnerABC2