The Baltimore Ravens face a familiar crossroads heading into the 2025 season. This franchise has built everything a championship team needs: an elite roster, a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson, an ageless force in Derrick Henry, and one of the NFL’s most respected coaching staffs.
Yet for all their regular-season dominance, that elusive Super Bowl appearance continues to slip away, creating mounting pressure in a city hungry for ultimate success.
Will the Baltimore Ravens’ Stars Play Against the Dallas Cowboys?
The answer is simple: absolutely not.
Jackson, Henry, and Baltimore’s entire starting lineup will sit out Week 2 of the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys. With most starting positions already locked down, the Ravens can shift their focus entirely to roster evaluation and keeping their key players healthy for what matters most.
This approach makes perfect sense after what happened in Week 1. The Ravens’ backups handled business against the Indianapolis Colts, winning 24-16 without needing their stars. Former Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush, currently Baltimore’s backup, didn’t factor much in the victory. He managed just 16 passing yards and threw an interception, but the depth around him stepped up when it mattered.
However, the Ravens have already solved one crucial puzzle: their placekicker situation. Sixth-round draft pick Tyler Loop delivered a flawless performance against Indianapolis, nailing all three extra point attempts and connecting on a 52-yard field goal. With the kicking job now his, Loop can focus on fine-tuning his technique rather than fighting for a roster spot.
The Ravens might have uncovered another special teams gem in fellow sixth-rounder LaJohntay Wester. His electrifying punt return performance against the Colts included an 87-yard touchdown that showcased his game-breaking potential. Despite competing in a crowded receiver room, Wester’s confidence and return ability could fill a major need for Baltimore.
LAJOHNTAY WESTER RETURN TOUCHDOWN OMG pic.twitter.com/CDkPAWy6pb
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) August 7, 2025
“I’ve been overlooked all my life, in this game, since I was 6 years old,” Wester explained after his breakout performance. “I was still making plays. So, for me to be able to overcome all of that, and get here and be able to get my first NFL touchdown in a game like this, it was amazing. It was a whole lot of built-up emotion, anger, frustration, and crying. I just let it loose tonight.”
The Ravens and Cowboys will kick off Saturday, August 16, at 7:00 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While the stars rest, Baltimore’s depth players will get another chance to prove they belong in one of the NFL’s most competitive locker rooms.
