NFL preseason week 1 injuries and betting news and notes compiled by Joe Duffy’s Picks

Thursday, August 8

Ravens-Buccaneers

The starters will “play some” against the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday’s game at Raymond James Stadium, coach Greg Schiano said, but he is most interested in seeing the reserves.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman took fewer than a dozen snaps in last year’s preseason opener. His workload this year won’t be any different. Some starters will get extensive work, Schiano said.

“Everyone is going to be different,’’ Schiano said. “With every player, we’ve created an individual plan for them, especially the starters, regarding how many (plays) we feel they need and in what roles. Because some guys are trying new roles. For example, (safety) Mark Barron is playing in the dime package now so we want to make sure he gets a couple of shots at playing the dime.’’

With Freeman slated to get only a series or two of work, the Bucs will take a long look at rookie Mike Glennon, who is battling veteran Dan Orlovsky for the backup quarterback job.

Tampa Bay also will look at DE Da’Quan Bowers, who is replacing 2012 sack leader Michael Bennett at left end but has not consistently impressed during training camp workouts.

Source: TBO

Baltimore Ravens tight end Ed Dickson will be out for approximately two weeks due to a slight hamstring tear. Dickson, who suffered the injury during Sunday’s practice, is the team’s No. 1 tight end after Dennis Pitta was lost for the season with a hip injury sustained during training camp. The 25-year-old Dickson caught 21 passes for 225 yards for Baltimore a year ago.

Source: Sports Network

TB running back Doug Martin won’t play much, if at all. Tight end: Chances are, you won’t see projected starter Luke Stocker Thursday. He’s still recovering from a calf strain that’s significantly limited his participation in practice. Defensive line depth: We know the Bucs are going all in with ends Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers, but Clayborn’s current groin injury is a reminder that depth remains an issue.

Souce: TBO

With Ray Lewis retired and Ed Reed, Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger, Cary Williams and Bernard Pollard no longer on the roster, several newcomers will be playing for the Ravens in a game situation for the first time. That includes middle linebacker Daryl Smith, outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, defensive lineman Chris Canty, free safety Michael Huff, rookie safety Matt Elam and inside linebacker Arthur Brown. One of the Ravens’ top competitions for a starting job is being waged between centers Gino Gradkowski and A.Q. Shipley. Gradkowski said he didn’t know yet if he’ll start Thursday night.

Top pick: Widely acknowledged as the most successful sports handicapper in history, Duffy is already 1-0 in NFL picks. He has two NFL Thursday winners.
 

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