The Baltimore Ravens play their first preseason game on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles, and it will be a chance to evaluate their backup quarterback situation.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has said that Jackson won't play in the preseason opener. It's unclear if he'll suit up for any preseason games; ESPN's Jamison Hensley notes that Jackson hasn't played the last two preseasons.
Instead, backup quarterback Josh Johnson will be thrust into the spotlight. The 38-year-old Johnson, a career journeyman with a 1-8 record as a starter, is Jackson's primary backup. It may actually be a helpful opportunity for Ravens coaches to evaluate whether Johnson is good enough to be the No. 2 QB on the roster.
The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec has previously listed backup quarterback as a concern for the Ravens. Johnson got some first-team reps early in training when camp when Jackson was out with an illness and didn't blow anyone away (Zrebiec notes that the Ravens defense also didn't make it easy on him).
According to Zrebiec, the Ravens believe in Johnson as a game manager and trust he'll be ready if he has to make a surprise start.
If Jackson were to sustain a long-term injury during the season, it would likely derail the Ravens' season anyway. But if Jackson were to miss 2-3 weeks, could Johnson come in and keep the team afloat? A game or two could make a difference in the playoff standings in what looks like an extremely competitive AFC North.
One preseason game won't tell the Ravens all they need to know about Johnson, but it's nonetheless an opportunity to evaluate him in real snaps against a real opponent.
Sixth-round rookie quarterback Devin Leary should also get some snaps in the preseason game.
The Ravens could look to free agency to add another backup — Ryan Tannehill is the obvious headliner of remaining free agent QBs. But with a loaded roster and some other positions in need of reinforcements, it's a gamble to use a roster spot on a backup who might never see the field.
