Ravens News 8/29: Preseason lessons, no excuses for Jefferson and more

What we learned in the preseason, AFC edition - Mike Castiglione

BALTIMORE RAVENS

It’s still Joe Flacco’s show, at least for now. After struggling early in the preseason, rookie Lamar Jackson came on strong in Week 3, completing 7-of-10 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown to go with another 39 yards and a score on the ground. The former Heisman Trophy winner is the top-ranked rookie quarterback in our staff’s consensus rankings. The player who consistently generated the most buzz in Ravens’ camp this summer is newcomer John Brown, who has developed an instant rapport with Flacco. Keep in mind that when healthy in 2015, Brown needed only 99 targets to go over 1,000 yards with seven touchdowns. In the backfield, there was a Kenneth Dixon sighting in the third preseason game, as he turned nine touches into 56 yards, and looked quick doing it.

After signing a one-year, prove-it contract, John Brown is surely aiming to lead the Ravens in receiving yardage this season. In 2013, Torrey Smith’s posted the franchises second best single season total with 1,128 yards in 2013.

With No Excuses, Tony Jefferson Aims for a Stronger Season - Clifton Brown

“I’m not a guy who’s going to give excuses or [wonder] why things happen, because at the end of the day, this is my job, and you have to get the job done,” Jefferson said. “Obviously it was different from what I was used to, scheme-wise and all of that. But it’s football. I’m a professional. I adapt to anything.”

This is a pivotal season for Jefferson, the starting strong safety in his second year with the team. Few players were more distraught than Jefferson after the Ravens lost their season finale to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 and failed to make the playoffs. He had tears in his eyes. It was obvious the disappointment ran deep.

“It was good to get back out there, get my feet wet,” said Jefferson, who is unlikely to see much action Thursday night against the Washington Redskins, with many starters expected to sit out. “I’m ready to go, full-go.”

Hopefully Jefferson was simply knocking the rust off against the Dolphins. He did not play well in his first preseason action, Tony missed multiple tackles and was beaten in coverage frequently.

Ravens draft picks Greg Senat and DeShon Elliott looking at long injury absences - Josh Alper

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said on Tuesday that sixth-round picks Greg Senat and DeShon Elliott are both looking at lengthy injury recoveries.

Senat, who was bidding for a role on the offensive line, has turf toe and shared a picture of himself in a walking boot on social media. Harbaugh said, via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, that he wasn’t happy about the rookie’s decision to do that and that it will be up to General Manager Ozzie Newsome if he goes on injured reserve.

Elliott has a broken forearm and Harbaugh said he will likely miss the entire season.

With Senat likely out for an extended period, the Ravens may explore the trade market. Offensive tackle is the thinnest position on the roster.

Baltimore Ravens injuries: Patrick Onwuasor, Gus Edwards miss practice - Aaron Kasinitz

Onwuasor, competing for a starting job at inside linebacker, has played well this summer and was at practice Monday. It’s unclear why he missed Tuesday’s session.

Edwards walked gingerly off the field during Monday’s practice, and trainers examined his foot afterward.

Ten other players missed practice for at least a second consecutive day: Tight end Hayden Hurst, defensive tackle Willie Henry, cornerback Maurice Canady offensive tackle Greg Senat, safety DeShon Elliott, safety Bennett Jackson, linebacker Alvin Jones and three players on the physically unable to perform list -- linebacker Bam Bradley, wide receiver Quincy Adeboyejo and cornerback Jaylen Hill.

After delightful injury fortune to start training camp, the inevitable injuries of this combat sport have arisen. Fortunately, the Ravens most irreplaceable player - Ronnie Stanley, has practiced for two consecutive days.