Jason Campbell is expected to play a series or two on Thursday night in Baltimore as the Redskins open preseason against the Ravens.

After Campbell, all three of his backups--Todd Collins, Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel--are expected to see action.

"They're likely to all play, but I don't want to reveal all the things we have planned," Jim Zorn said.

Heading into preseason, Collins is listed as Campbell's primary backup.

Zorn has indicated that Brennan could compete with Collins for the backup job.

For now, it appears Brennan and Daniel are competing for the No. 3 spot.

On Tuesday, Zorn was asked about Brennan's progression and where Daniel stood in the backup quarterback derby.

"I don't see clear lines [between Brennan and Daniel]," Zorn replied. "I see Chase really improving. Colt, in the last 3-4 practices, has really come on as well.

"The closer we get to the games, Colt is really putting raising his concentration level because he knows he is going in. So he's every excited. It's a great competition there. They're going to lay it all out there."

Brennan was a preseason star as a rookie last year. In five games, he completed 36-of-53 passing attempts for 411 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

In his first preseason in Zorn's offense, Collins completed 33-of-47 passes for 260 yards, one touchdown and one interception last year.

Campbell completed 23-of-30 passes for 202 yards, one touchdown and one interception last preseason.

-- CAMPBELL READY FOR 'HEAT'

In training camp, Redskins quarterbacks wear bright yellow jersey signifying they cannot be touched in practice.

That changes on Thursday night.

"We're playing Baltimore, their defense brings some heat," Jason Campbell said. "As a quarterback, that first hit is always a good hit. You want to get it over with. Whether it's the first preseason game or first regular season I'll be ready for it."

Despite the Ravens' aggressive 3-4 defense, Campbell hopes the Redskins' first-team offense can develop a rhythm.

"We don't expect to play a whole lot, but we do expect to go out there and play at a high level, play at a fast pace and just get back to the feel of a game again," he said.

Campbell said there was limited game-planning in practice this week, particularly for the first team.

"You're not going to throw your whole offense and whole defense out there in the preseason," he said. "You use these preseason games to get you back into the flow and back into the rhythm of playing."

-- PRESEASON NERVES

As the Redskins practiced this week, Greg Blache saw some of the team's rookies get a nervous look in their eyes.

With the first preseason game, their NFL dream has finally arrived.

Who wouldn't be nervous?

"The reality of it, that they're going to actually line up in an NFL game, and their mom and their grandmom are going to watch them--I think the pressure is starting to close in on them," Blache said. "It's worse for some than others. It's a natural progression.

"If they don't let their fears and their nervousness handcuff them, they'll be fine."

-- BARNES READY

Kevin Barnes has been slowed in practice this week by a hyper-extended knee, but he expects to be healthy for Thursday's preseason opener in Baltimore.

"I definitely expect to play," he said. "I'm a young guy, I'm a rookie, and I have to prove myself and make my way on this team. I expect to be out there as much as possible."

Barnes injured his knee in last Saturday's scrimmage. He has been limited in practice, but he expects to "go full speed" on Tuesday to get ready for the game.

Barnes was the Redskins' third-round draft pick last April.

He played college football at the University of Maryland.