Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh anxious to see Ryan Mallett vs. Washington Redskins

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is still sidelined with a back injury and won't take any snaps in the first preseason game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday.

Furthermore, the Ravens are still uncertain when Flacco might even be able to return to practice. Coach John Harbaugh dismissed any concerns about the long-term effect of Flacco's absence on the first-team, however.

"I don't think it's going to be a problem because Joe knows the offense," Harbaugh said. "But still, there's a rhythm, a chemistry and timing and execution that practice is valuable for. So, the sooner the better, but not before he's ready."

With Flacco out, backup Ryan Mallett will start against Washington. Harbaugh confirmed that Mallett would get extensive action to showcase his skills.

"It's an opportunity for Ryan to get ready," Harbaugh said. "Those reps are really huge for a quarterback. He wants to make the most of all those reps with the (first team offense)."

Mallett also appears eager to take advantage of the extended playing time. He's had limited reps since signing with Baltimore in December 2015, appearing in just six games. He has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 592 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions over that span.

So far, Mallett is having an uneven training camp. The team has considered signing Colin Kaepernick, but its interest appears to have waned over the past week.

Mallett has not worried about those types of distractions. Instead, he has focused on trying to get better.

"I always prepare as if I was starting," Mallett said. "That's the only way you can do it and try to be successful, anyway. So, every week I prepare like the starter just in case."

The game against Washington will also give the Ravens a chance to accurately assess their running game. The team made it a focal point of the offseason to bolster the rushing attack to take some pressure of its quarterbacks.

The Ravens' running backs were effective with the limited opportunities they were given, but Baltimore was ranked 30th with 367 rushing attempts. That will likely change this season with the hiring of Greg Roman as the offensive assistant/tight ends coach.

The Ravens will get an extended look at that revamped unit Thursday.

"You really don't know where you're at until you play somebody else," Harbaugh said. "It can't be 100 percent, full speed (on the practice field). It's just too physical and too violent with those guys. We'll know when we get out there for the games. I do like what we're doing."