By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

(Sports Network) - The quarterback competition for the Baltimore Ravens will take another important step on Saturday night, when John Harbaugh's club plays host to the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium.

Harbaugh, who will don the home sideline for the Ravens for the first time, has a three-way signal-calling battle on his hands during his initial training camp as head coach.

Former first-round Draft choice Kyle Boller, 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, and 2008 first-round pick Joe Flacco are the candidates, and it is Smith who will get the chance to start against the Vikings.

All three quarterbacks played in last Thursday's 16-15 win at the Patriots, with no member of the trio necessarily distinguishing himself.

Boller opened the game and completed 11-of-15 passes for 102 yards, but also committed two turnovers. Smith was next in line and completed just 5-of-12 throws for 74 yards, and Flacco was 0-for-3 during his brief action.

Smith, who started the final two games of 2007 for the Ravens, is believed by many to be the favorite to win the job.

Baltimore running back Willis McGahee, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this week, will not play against the Vikings and could miss the remainder of the preseason. Safety Ed Reed (shoulder) will also be unavailable for the team.

Former Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, signed by the Ravens on Tuesday, could see his first action with Baltimore on Saturday.

Minnesota doesn't have a quarterback controversy at the moment, but will come into town with a purpose after looking ragged in a 34-17 loss to the Seahawks last Friday.

The Vikings' primary defensive unit, expected to be one of the league's best in 2008, allowed 17 points to the Seahawks in the first quarter of play. For the night, the team allowed 417 yards of total offense.

Minnesota did show some positive signs offensively, however, with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson completing 8-of-11 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown before yielding to backups Gus Frerotte, Brooks Bollinger, and John David Booty.

Star running back Adrian Peterson did not have a carry in the Seahawks game for precautionary reasons, but should see a few touches against the Ravens.

The Vikings will be without safety Madieu Williams for up to six weeks due to a neck injury, and will also be minus end Brian Robison (leg) on Saturday.

The Vikings won their only preseason meeting with the Ravens all-time, drilling Baltimore by a 30-7 count at the Metrodome prior to the 2006 season.