OWINGS MILLS - In a contrast to previous years, the Baltimore Ravens are currently planning to play several offensive starters during a preseason finale Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

That would include quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens' new-look offensive line consisting of left tackle Bryant McKinnie, left guard Ben Grubbs, center Matt Birk, right guard Marshal Yanda and right tackle Michael Oher.

"Yeah as of now, I think I will," said Flacco, who hasn't played in the fourth preseason game for the past two years. "I don't know how much."

McKinnie was just signed last week to a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million.

Birk missed the first three preseason games after undergoing knee surgery.

Yanda has been sidelined with back spasms.

And Oher is moving over from left tackle.

Grubbs is the lone lineman to play every preseason game at his usual spot.

"Any work is good work," Grubbs said. "They call our number, we'll be ready."

Ravens coach John Harbaugh declined to get into any specifics when asked how he'll utilize his starters against Atlanta.

The lack of preparation time due to the NFL lockout wiping out the entire offseason is a factor in the decision.

"We'll see," Harbaugh said. "That's my thoughts on it. We're just going to see how we're going to handle it. It's really to be determined.

"We've talked about it and we're going to figure it out, but it is different and that's why it's not as cut and dry as it usually is."

Building timing with the offensive line, though, could be a valuable reason to do something out of the box.

"It would help, it'd be better than them not playing, but there's risks involved with that," Harbaugh said. "So, that's the dilemma."

BIG GAME: This marks a big game for veteran wide receiver James Hardy.

The former Buffalo Bills second-round pick hasn't played in any preseason games and has rarely practiced due to a chronic hamstring injury.

He has been practicing this week and is expected to play extensively against the Falcons. It's his last shot to impress the coaching staff and earn a roster spot.

"We just haven't seen him, and it's no fault of his own," Harbaugh said. "He's worked really hard to get that hamstring back. The trainers will tell you, he's been a model citizen in there. But this was a big camp for him and he missed it. So, this is his one shot."

LAWRENCE PLACED ON IR: Running back Matt Lawrence was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, ending his season and getting the Ravens down to the NFL roster limit of 80 players.

This marks the third year in a row that the former University of Massachusetts player has been placed on injured reserve.

Lawrence missed last season due to a knee injury after beginning the year on the physically unable to perform list.

The Ravens could opt to remove Lawrence from injured reserve and shed his salary by negotiating an injury settlement.

INJURY UPDATES: Wide receiver Lee Evans (left foot) didn't practice for the third day in a row.

Cornerback Chris Carr (left hamstring) and offensive lineman Mark LeVoir (undisclosed) didn't practice for the second consecutive day.

LeVoir's unspecified injury isn't believed to be serious and he's expected to return soon.

QUICK HITS: Once Flacco and rookie Tyrod Taylor are out of the game, the coaches plan to look at third quarterback Hunter Cantwell. "You just look for him to play well," Harbaugh said. "He's made some throws and he's gotten better in practice. I'd like to see that show up in a game. "Run the offense, make the protection adjustments, all those different things. It's a great opportunity for Hunter, just like all the other guys." ... This is the Ravens' first road trip of the season where they have to board an airplane to get there. "For the veterans, it's no big deal," Harbaugh said. "For the young guys, it'll be interesting for them. That's a loud stadium even in the preseason. We've been there before. For the guys that make the team, it's really important because they'll understand how that works now for the regular season." ... The Ravens didn't use offensive guard Jason Murphy against the Redskins after signing him to a one-year deal. He's slated to play a lot against the Falcons, though. "This is my chance, really," said Murphy, a Baltimore native. "It's a great line. I think I can be a great supporting help to them."