The Ravens are going to be light on cornerbacks when they play the Redskins on Saturday.
Coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that neither Jimmy Smith nor Asa Jackson would play, although he said that Smith, who injured his chest against the Cowboys last week, could probably play if it were a regular season contest. He and Jackson, who is battling an ankle injury, join Lardarius Webb on the inactive list.
Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks will get the start for the Ravens with Terrence Brooks handling slot duties with the first team. Harbaugh sees an upside to the situation for the players and the team.
“It’s going to be an opportunity for those guys to go against the best for a long period of time,” Harbaugh said, via ESPN.com. “It’s going to be a good chance to evaluate where we’re at and give those guys an opportunity to prove they can play with the best.”
All three of the injured corners are expected to be healthy in time for the start of the regular season, although they may be a bit rusty if the injuries keep them off the field much longer.