OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson will make his second straight start after Joe Flacco was officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against Oakland.
Friday’s news was the expectation throughout the week after head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged last Sunday it would be difficult for Flacco to return against the Raiders. The 33-year-old veteran hasn’t practiced since injuring his right hip early in the Nov. 4 loss to Pittsburgh.
“I’m counting on Lamar being the starter in this game,” said Harbaugh before Flacco was declared out on the final injury report. “I think that’s pretty straightforward. And Joe, at this point now, he would’ve had to practice to be ready to go, and he was not able to practice this week.”
Jackson hopes to build off a successful first start in which he ran for 119 yards on 26 carries and completed 13 of 19 passes for 150 yards and an interception in the 24-21 win over Cincinnati.
The Ravens are considered a heavy favorite against the Raiders, but many are clamoring for offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to open up the passing game to see how Jackson fares against the NFL’s 17th-ranked pass defense. Oakland has allowed a league-worst 8.9 yards per passing attempt and ranks 30th with an opponent passer rating of 110.4.
It’s been a smooth week for Jackson in contrast to last week when he missed a practice due to a stomach issue, and coaches and teammates have complimented his demeanor while preparing for his second start.
“He’s no different. He’s always confident and into it and upbeat,” Harbaugh said. “I haven’t really noticed a difference that way — kind of the same. It’s interesting, it’s just kind of Lamar, you know? He’s a joy to be around.”
After sitting out another full week of practice, right tackle James Hurst will miss his fifth consecutive game with a back injury that’s lingered longer than anyone anticipated when he was a late-week addition to the injury report in Week 7. Rookie Orlando Brown Jr. has played well in his place, but Hurst’s versatility has been missed with other starters such as left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard Alex Lewis also missing time with injuries in recent weeks.
With Lewis listed as questionable for Sunday’s game after missing Friday’s practice with a shoulder injury, the Ravens don’t have the luxury of shifting Hurst to left guard, a possible move pundits had discussed during the bye week.
“He had a disc issue and that’s all cleared up now, but he’s still feeling a little bit down in his calf,” said Harbaugh about Hurst’s extended absence. “It has to do with the nerve root, and it’s just unpredictable time-wise. We thought he’d be back two, three weeks ago. I’m as frustrated as anybody, [but] I’m not as frustrated as James. He’s the most frustrated.”
Defensive backs Tavon Young (groin) and Anthony Levine (ankle) are also questionable to play after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday and working on a limited basis on Friday. Running back Alex Collins (foot) is expected to play after practicing fully on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Raiders officially ruled out wide receiver Martavis Bryant with a knee injury and listed wide receiver Jordy Nelson (knee) as questionable. Oakland has been decimated at the wide receiver position with starter Brandon LaFell being placed on injured reserve earlier this week and former No. 1 wideout Amari Cooper being traded to Dallas last month.
The Weather.com forecast for Sunday in Baltimore calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s with winds five to 10 miles per hour.
Below is the final injury report of the week:
BALTIMORE
OUT: QB Joe Flacco (right hip), OT James Hurst (back)
QUESTIONABLE: RB Alex Collins (foot), DB Anthony Levine (ankle), G Alex Lewis (shoulder), LB Tim Williams (ankle), CB Tavon Young (groin)
OAKLAND
OUT: WR Martavis Bryant (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: CB Leon Hall (back), WR Jordy Nelson (knee)
