John Harbaugh on Baltimore Ravens receivers: Preseason games essential
The Baltimore Ravens may not have the best wide receiving tandem in the league, but they have depth. Receivers Steve Smith and Torrey Smith are the expected starters. Jacoby Jones and Marlon Brown figure as locks to make the team. Beneath them, seven wide receivers are fighting for two — maybe three — spots.
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“Nobody has really separated themselves because nobody has fallen off right now – they’ve all played well,” Harbaugh said on Thursday, via CSN Baltimore.
“The games are going to be a big thing now,” he added. “If practice doesn’t separate guys, then maybe the games will.”
The battle for a roster spot includes receivers Kamar Aiken, Jeremy Butler, Michael Companaro, Jace Davis, Deonte Thompson, LaQuan Williams and Mike Willie. Saturday’s game will indicate which pass catchers have the upper hand.
Aiken, the man leading the way, caught four balls for 46 yards in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers last week. Campanaro, a strong practice performer, has yet to excel in a game setting. According to CSN Insider Bo Smolka, he was ascending the depth chart until blanking the stat sheet in the preseason opener. His work as a specialist will help his case for a roster spot. Williams is another receiver with special teams value.
Saturday’s game against Dallas — and all the preseason games following — will be indicative and weigh with heavy importance upon the receiver pecking order.
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