Ravens-Commanders Preseason Finale: How to Watch and What Is at Stake

Baltimore and Washington players compete during a joint practice before their preseason finale.

The Ravens-Commanders preseason finale brings the summer schedule to a close Friday at 6 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore's established stars have already completed their most important opponent work, leaving the final exhibition to players fighting for roster spots and defined roles.

Fans in the Baltimore market can watch on WBAL-TV 11. The Ravens will also provide a free local stream through BaltimoreRavens.com and the Ravens mobile app, while WBAL NewsRadio, 98 Rock and the team's radio network carry the broadcast. The game-center page will provide live scoring and statistics.

Lamar Jackson is not expected to play, so the offensive attention shifts to the reserves responsible for finishing drives and protecting the football. Rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane and other developing targets can strengthen their cases after flashing in joint practices, while the back end of the offensive line gets one final live test before cuts.

Baltimore's defensive depth may be even more compelling. Young pass rushers and defensive backs have created pressure throughout August, and Friday offers a clean evaluation without the practice-script protections of Wednesday's session. Special-teams snaps will matter just as much for players near the bottom of the 53-man projection.

Washington arrives with its own unsettled questions. Injuries have forced movement along the offensive line, and both staffs must balance evaluation with health before the regular season. The opponent is familiar after the joint practice, but the setting changes once down, distance and game-clock pressure become real.

Baltimore's defense controlled Wednesday's joint practice, but Friday is less about repeating that result than completing the roster picture. The score will fade quickly. The performances that decide reserve jobs, coverage assignments and trusted depth could shape September long after the final whistle.