As the Baltimore Ravens approached their preseason opener on August 8, they intensified preparations with a spirited joint practice against the Indianapolis Colts on August 5 at the Under Armour Performance Center.
This session served as more than just a final tune-up, it was a proving ground for players looking to rise on the depth chart, assert their roles on special teams, or stake a claim to starting reps.
Charlie Kolar (TE) Steps Up in Isaiah Likely’s Absence
With Isaiah Likely sidelined, Charlie Kolar was thrust into the No. 2 tight end role and wasted no time making an impact. Kolar capitalized on the increased opportunity by hauling in several targets from quarterback Lamar Jackson.
His highlight of the day came during red-zone drills when he dove for a touchdown catch, demonstrating both focus and body control in tight coverage. The rapport between Jackson and Kolar could open doors for expanded usage in preseason formations.
More importantly, Kolar’s performance earned him valuable first-team reps, signaling trust from the coaching staff. If he continues this trajectory, his visibility throughout the preseason is set to increase significantly, especially as Baltimore assesses how best to complement All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews.
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Mike Green (OLB) Disrupts Edge and Controls the Pocket
Mike Green showcased his development as an edge threat by persistently collapsing the pocket and creating problems for quarterbacks on the move. Facing dual-threat QBs like Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, Green’s blend of speed and discipline stood out. He didn’t just bull rush, he worked the angles, held containment, and timed his pass rush with calculated bursts, which forced quick decisions by the Colts’ backfield.
Green’s ability to impact both traditional drop-backs and scramble-heavy plays offers a promising depth boost to the Ravens’ pass-rushing rotation. His efforts set a tone of urgency and intelligence that aligns with Baltimore’s aggressive defensive identity.
Brent Urban and DeForest Buckner Shut Down the Goal Line
The interior defensive front was one of the most dominant units during the joint practice, and Brent Urban’s synergy with DeForest Buckner was central to that. In a crucial red-zone sequence, the duo teamed up to stonewall a Colts inside run attempt, preventing a touchdown that would’ve capped a strong Indianapolis drive.
Urban’s leverage and hand placement combined with Buckner’s raw power and timing to form a wall that the Colts simply couldn’t move.
This kind of trench control doesn’t show up in fantasy stats or headlines, but it defines winning football. Baltimore’s red-zone defense held its ground throughout the day, frustrating Indianapolis in short-yardage situations and offering defensive coordinator Zach Orr plenty of positives to build on.
Nate Wiggins’ Coverage Flashes Before Ejection
Nate Wiggins made noise in two very different ways. On one hand, the rookie cornerback demonstrated elite instincts and closing speed, highlighted by a tightly contested end-zone pass breakup that drew sideline praise. His quick-footed transitions and awareness in press coverage gave receivers little room to operate in man coverage.
However, his practice was cut short after a heated scuffle with Colts running back Tyler Goodson, which led to Wiggins being ejected. While coaches admired his competitive fire, they are now monitoring his discipline to ensure it doesn’t cross lines that cost the team. If Wiggins can strike the right balance between aggression and composure, his skill set makes him a serious contender for rotational corner reps in the regular season.
LaJohntay Wester’s Special Teams Breakout
LaJohntay Wester turned heads with a punt return that electrified the sideline and gave coaches a reason to reconsider their special teams depth chart. Receiving a pistol punt, Wester saw a seam up the middle and nearly took it to the house, weaving through would-be tacklers with fluid movement and sharp instincts. It was the kind of return that shifts field position and momentum in an instant.
While the Ravens’ kickoff coverage units struggled in other moments, Wester’s breakout established him as a legitimate candidate for return duties. His combination of vision, burst, and agility could be the X-factor needed in close field-position battles during the season.
Preseason Relevance of Joint Practice Performance
Though not captured in official preseason stats, joint practices like this play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s NFL Week 1 roster. The August 5 session gave Baltimore’s coaching staff a critical window into who thrives under pressure and who may need further development.
Players like Kolar and Wester showed they can rise when asked to take on expanded duties, while defensive contributors like Green and Urban proved they can hold down critical matchups in tight spaces.
For fans in Maryland tracking depth battles, special teams shakeups, or defensive rotations, these reps provide insights that go far deeper than what preseason box scores reveal.
Red-Zone Execution as a Reflection of Readiness
Red-zone execution remains one of the best indicators of a team’s readiness heading into a new season. During this joint practice, Baltimore’s ability to deny touchdowns, thanks to Urban, Buckner, and Wiggins, stood in sharp contrast to many preseason defensive units that often struggle with communication and alignment. On the other side, Kolar’s red-zone touchdown and Jackson’s timing throws underscored how far along the Ravens’ passing rhythm already is.
That level of sharpness is what gives Baltimore an edge when the real games begin. It’s also what coaches look for when making final roster decisions.
Rookie Development Under Game-Like Pressure
Rookies are rarely the focal point of training camp, but performances like those from Nate Wiggins and LaJohntay Wester demand attention. Wiggins’ physical coverage and competitive fire showed he belongs on the field with starters, even if his ejection raises concerns. Meanwhile, Wester’s instincts and explosive return ability offer a game-changing dimension that few rookies deliver this early.
For Baltimore, the success of these young players could add unexpected value to their special teams and secondary units, potentially making an impact as early as September.
Lamar Jackson’s Target Expansion and Trust
One quiet takeaway from the practice was Lamar Jackson’s willingness to look beyond his go-to targets. With Mark Andrews not dominating the reps and Isaiah Likely out, Jackson repeatedly trusted Charlie Kolar in tight windows. That kind of chemistry doesn’t happen overnight and may point toward a broader offensive strategy in 2025, spreading the ball among multiple reliable hands instead of leaning solely on Andrews or Zay Flowers.
This diversified approach could keep defenses guessing and allow Baltimore to adapt when key weapons are double-teamed or unavailable.
Defensive Identity Built Through Contact
Mike Macdonald built a defensive culture based on physicality and discipline, and Baltimore largely upheld that during the Colts practice. Aside from Wiggins’ flare-up, the Ravens brought the hit stick in a controlled and assignment-sound way. Green’s edge containment, Urban’s trench work, and Wiggins’ pass breakup reflected this core philosophy.
Even joint practices, often volatile due to their competitive nature, showed that the Ravens are focused not just on hitting, but hitting with purpose and poise.
Why These Five Players Matter Beyond Camp
Each of these five standout players serves a different strategic purpose. Kolar may become a red-zone mismatch. Green offers critical edge support if injuries hit the linebacker unit. Urban and Buckner can anchor interior pressure packages. Wiggins has the talent to earn a nickel or dime corner role if he learns to channel his aggression. Wester may end up flipping field position weekly with his return game.
For a franchise like the Ravens that consistently builds rosters through player development and special teams mastery, each of these names could play a role far greater than what August 5 might suggest.
