That audition didn't produce a winner. Andy Dalton got the start and went 3-of-6 for 20 yards before giving way to Tanner McKee, who wasn't much sharper at 6-of-10 for 35 yards. Neither Eagles backup separated himself from the other, which was more or less the story of training camp repeating itself under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium.
The lone bright spot for Philadelphia came from someone who wasn't part of that battle at all. Fifth-round rookie Cole Payton entered with just over 11 minutes left and led a 9-play, 59-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Erik Ezukanma — the Eagles' only points of the night. It's a small sample, but in a game with almost nothing else to grade, it stood out.
Both teams arrive at this preseason opener carrying mixed recent form, though none of it means much once the starters sit. What actually shaped Saturday was who was and wasn't in uniform — Barkley never suited up, DeVonta Smith was only going through pregame warmups on a hamstring that's clearly still being managed, and receiver Makai Lemon was held out as well. Baltimore had its own absence up front, with linebacker Jay Higgins IV ruled out on concussion protocol.
- QuestionableMakai Lemon (WR) — Lemon isn't suited up for Saturday's preseason game in Baltimore, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.08/15
- QuestionableKeyshawn James-Newby (LB) — James-Newby (undisclosed) was carted off the practice field during Saturday's session, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.08/01
- QuestionableCole Wisniewski (S) — Wisniewski (hamstring) did not participate in Saturday's practice session, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.08/01
- OutJonathan Greenard (LB) — Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Tuesday that Greenard (pectoral) won't be back at practice "for another couple weeks, at least," Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.08/11
- OutTeddye Buchanan (LB) — The Ravens activated Buchanan (knee) off the active/PUP list Friday.08/14
- OutTravis Jones (DT) — Jones (pec) has been officially activated from the active/PUP list Tuesday and is now practicing at training camp, Sam Cohn of The Baltimore Sun reports.08/11
- OutJohn Jenkins (DT) — The Ravens activated Jenkins (undisclosed) off the active/PUP list Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.08/04
None of that thinned-out availability is unusual for an August opener, but it did flatten an offense that was already breaking in a new backup pecking order. Huntley, by contrast, got a clean look with real starters around him for stretches, going a tidy 3-of-3 for 39 yards including a 29-yard connection to Matthew Hibner before the Ravens leaned on their bench the rest of the way.
Philadelphia's offense stalled for most of the night, managing only around 100 yards through its first 31 plays before Payton's drive finally got the board moving. It's the kind of performance that means little for September but plenty for whoever's fighting to be Hurts' primary backup — and right now, that fight is still open.