Coach John Harbaugh said he's still deciding if he will carry three quarterbacks on the 2012 roster. If he does, that could open up more playing time for backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor and allow the Ravens to use him in different ways.
"It would give you a little more leeway that way," Harbaugh said. "Although, no matter what, we are going to try to find ways to get him on the field anyway he can because he is such a good athlete."
Behind Taylor, the Ravens have Curtis Painter and rookie Chester Stewart at quarterback. Painter started eight games for Indianapolis in 2011 but only completed 54.3 percent of his passes. He tossed six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Stewart, an undrafted rookie out of Temple, is a long shot for the 53-man roster, but he's someone who could contribute on the scout team as a rookie. He's versatile enough to provide looks at more than one position.
Taylor was used in a Wildcat situation once last season, and there's a chance the Ravens will look to get him involved more this season. If Taylor is used more, having a third quarterback on the 53-man roster would be a nice security blanket since Taylor's risk of injury would increase.
Starters will rest on Thursday: Harbaugh said most of the starters will play about a quarter on Thursday in Baltimore's first preseason game against Atlanta. Some of the younger starters could play halfway into the second quarter.
Bynes has cracked vertebrae: Linebacker Josh Bynes has been out of practice for the past week, and it was finally revealed that he cracked his vertebrae at two protrusions. Harbaugh said the injury will last about four to five weeks.
"It happens sometimes in car accidents," Harbaugh said. "It was unusual for a football injury."
Injury report: CB Jimmy Smith (back), WR David Reed (ACL), RB Bernard Pierce (hamstring), LB Dannell Ellerbe (hamstring), LB Darryl Blackstock (groin), OL Jah Reid (calf), C Matt Birk (back), TE Dennis Pitta (hand), DE Arthur Jones (hip flexor) and WR Patrick Williams (undisclosed) did not practice on Tuesday. WR Jacoby Jones was present for practice but did not participate much.
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.