Even though it’s “just preseason,” a new coach’s first win is huge for morale across the team. Jesse Minter and the Ravens will face off against the Vikings this Saturday. Baltimore likely won’t play its starters after the group had a successful joint practice session earlier in the week.

Offensive line hopes to overcome season-ending injury

While the Ravens’ playmakers had a solid week of practice against the Vikings, it didn’t come without losses, as Danny Pinter suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the entirety of the season. Pinter’s injury opens the door for Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn to battle for the starting center job, with Pocic coming off an Achilles injury from last year.

Vega Ioane will look to build on a promising foundation from training camp and the first week of preseason. “Vega is ready to play. I am not worried about him one bit. He is ready to play. He is going to be a good player for us,” Ronnie Stanley said. “He is going to be a great player for us. And I am excited for him to keep getting these reps and keep getting this experience.”

Wide receivers continue to compete

Scoring the first touchdown of the game last week, Ja’Kobi Lane put on a show, displaying everything he’s learned in the first portion of his NFL career. With 38 yards on three receptions, Lane wasn’t on the field for much of the game, suggesting his roster spot is leaning toward a lock.

However, fellow rookies Elijah Sarratt and Matt Hibner also had successful outings, combining for 127 yards on 11 receptions. Sarratt walked away as the leading receiver of the game with 66 yards and six receptions on seven targets. Aside from the one fumble he lost, Sarratt’s route running was spectacular throughout the night against a very tough Eagles secondary.

Special teams struggles to find footing in new season

After ending Baltimore’s season on a missed field goal last year, Tyler Loop opened the preseason by missing a 49-yard attempt in the first quarter, then connecting on a 42-yard attempt in the third. Loop has had a successful training camp but needs to carry that momentum into the regular season if he wants to stick around.

On his first punt, rookie Ryan Eckley fired off a weak 27-yard punt but quickly corrected his mistake, as his second and final punt of the night soared for 40 yards.