In a game in which the Baltimore Ravens aren't expected to play their starters, Thursday night's preseason finale in New Orleans sets up to be The Breshad Perriman Show.

Though the Ravens have yet to make an official announcement, all indications point to the Ravens wide receiver playing in his first game in 616 days.

Perriman wants to play. Coach John Harbaugh wants to see him on the field before the regular season starts. And fans want to get a glimpse of the 2015 first-round pick who has been sidelined by injuries to both knees.

Of the top 55 picks in the 2015 draft, the Ravens' Breshad Perriman will be the last to suit up for any sort of game. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

As long as the doctors clear him, Perriman will line up against the New Orleans Saints, which would be his first game since he totaled 138 yards receiving against North Carolina State in the Bitcoin Bowl on Dec. 26, 2014.

"When you go through all the stuff I've been through, this year and last year, it definitely makes you stronger mentally," Perriman said. "You just can't let things break you. Don't get me wrong. It's hard. It's an everyday battle. But if you come with the mindset that basically you're going to destroy everyday, you'll be fine."

Of the top 55 picks in the 2015 draft, Perriman will be the last to suit up for a preseason or regular-season game. Of the 14 wide receivers selected in the first three rounds that year, he was one of two not to make a catch in the regular season (the Chicago Bears' Kevin White was the other).

Perriman should get plenty of opportunities if he plays. The Ravens are expected to rest Steve Smith Sr., Mike Wallace and Kamar Aiken in the preseason finale. There's a chance receiver-returner Michael Campanaro also gets the night off.

If that's the case, Perriman would be one of five receivers for third-string quarterback Josh Johnson, who might start and play the entire game.

How will Perriman handle the nerves?

“Just embrace it, to be honest," he said. "I know I'm going to be nervous. I'm nervous before every game even in college. I know I'm going to be nervous, but at the same time, I feel like it gives me a little bit of an edge. I think it makes me play better. I have no problem with it.”

This has been unchartered territory for the Ravens. Before Perriman, all nine first-round picks who were offensive players -- from Jonathan Ogden to Michael Oher -- started at least a handful of games as rookies. Ronnie Stanley, this year's first-round pick, will start at left tackle.

Perriman was the only rookie first-round pick in the Ravens' 20-year history not to play a snap in his first season. Now, it appears that he is ready to take the field.

“It's just crazy," Perriman said. "Just to think about, I'll be able to go out there with my teammates and my friends ... it's something I've been waiting for a long time.”