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After a chippy end to joint practices, the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts will suit up for their second preseason game tonight at 8 PM ET. This will be the first opportunity for many of the young players on both rosters to play a game against opponents they have already had a chance to play against. This should help coaches get a read on how well their players adjust.
Andrew Luck is expected to play into the second quarter tonight. He will likely be given the opportunity to expand the playbook a bit in his second outing and there is a reasonable chance that he takes his first deep shot against the Ravens as well. Some of that will be up to an offensive line that is still undergoing a lot of change. Anthony Castonzo will not start at left tackle and rookie Braden Smith may get the nod at right tackle.
Let’s face it, the most important thing for Luck is to be smart about how he takes care of himself and to not allow rookies and second string players at tackle cause any setbacks in his progress for a return to regular season action.
Keep an eye on the following players on each side of the ball to see if they can put their stamp on a roster spot and push for considerable playing time in 2018.
DEFENSE
Hassan Ridgeway is likely on the roster bubble for a defensive line that is undergoing a lot of change. Last week, he made a statement by abusing Seattle’s third and fourth string line, generating pressure and tallying multiple sacks. Can he keep it up this week? Will he get a chance earlier in the game?
Rookie linebackers Darius Leonard and Skai Moore will get their second chance at making an impression on Colts fans. Leonard has already earned a reputation for being a very athletic linebacker, unlike any in Indianapolis for some time. Moore has brought his ball-hawking persona along with him from college and made life difficult in the center of the field in training camp. Will they show meaningful progress from the first preseason game to the next?
What can Quincy Wilson do to stand out from his competition? Somehow Kenny Moore, Nate Hairston, and Pierre Desir appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart. This has to motivate Wilson, right?
OFFENSE
How will Braden Smith perform in his second game? He will likely get a chance to play at tackle and guard again so he will be worth monitoring at both positions. His development could be crucial this year as the right tackle spot is up in the air and he needs to push for starting reps given his high draft position.
How much earlier will Jordan Wilkins get to play? If he gets to play with the first team offensive line, will he look even better than he did against Seattle? There is a real chance that Wilkins can push his way up on the depth chart before Week 1. There is even a chance he could push his way to the top of the depth chart before Robert Turbin returns from his suspension in Week 5.
Which pass-catcher will step forward? Deon Cain was lost to a season-ending ACL injury and K.J. Brent suffered an injury during training camp practice. This puts more pressure on a group that already had a lot of question-marks. Can Kasen Williams take advantage of his opportunity? Will Reece Fountain make his presence felt?
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Game Time
8:00 PM ET on Monday August 20th, 2018
Location
Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana
TV Channel
ESPN
Radio
WFNI (107.5FM/1070 The Fan) and WLHK (Country 97.1 Hank FM) — Bob Lamey, Jim Sorgi, Matt Taylor (sideline)
TV National Broadcast Map
See which games will be shown in your area, from 506Sports.com.
Weather
Looks like rain, likely a roof closed kind of game.
Referee Assignment
Alex Kemp
Kemp is in his first year as a referee, after being promoted from line judge following the retirement of Ed Hochuli and Jeff Tripplette.
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