OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens head coach John Harbaugh says Matt Schaub remains his starting quarterback, but the veteran’s status will be monitored ahead of the Week 14 meeting with Seattle.
In addition to being tested for a concussion after slamming his head on the ground in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to Miami, Schaub came out of the game nursing knee and shoulder ailments that could limit his practice time this week. Backup Jimmy Clausen will likely see an increased number of practice reps, but Harbaugh is expecting Schaub to make his third straight start and first at home against the Seahawks.
“He was bounced around pretty good in the game — too much,” said Harbaugh, alluding to Miami registering three sacks and 10 quarterback hits. “We’ll see how he makes it through the week, but I think he’s going to be OK. He’s a tough guy. We’re planning on Matt being the quarterback.”
With Schaub having thrown two interceptions returned for touchdowns in as many weeks, some fans have already begun clamoring for the younger Clausen to receive an opportunity. Signed only two weeks ago, the 2010 second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers is still learning the Ravens playbook, but his familiarity with offensive coordinator Marc Trestman from their days in Chicago last year has accelerated the learning curve.
Expectations should be tempered for either quarterback given the shortage of weapons around them, but the Ravens would certainly like to determine if Schaub — or Clausen — can play at a level worthy of being retained as the backup quarterback next season. For now, the Ravens are sticking with the 34-year-old veteran, but that won’t necessarily remain the case for the rest of the season.
“There are always thoughts on everything, so we’ll consider everything,” Harbaugh said. “Matt is the quarterback; Jimmy is the backup quarterback.”
Monroe’s status remains unclear
Left tackle Eugene Monroe missed his sixth game of the season on Sunday, and it remains uncertain whether he will return this season, according to Harbaugh.
Re-injuring his shoulder against St. Louis on Nov. 22, Monroe has missed the last two games and has started and finished just three games all season. The Ravens have been forced to turn to second-year tackle James Hurst, who has struggled mightily trying to protect the blindside.
“It’s just unfortunate for Eugene. He has had the shoulder issues that have been nagging him,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s up for another [magnetic resonance imaging exam] on Wednesday. Between him, his doctor and his agent, he’ll have to make a decision about whether he wants to play with it for the rest of the year.”
Flacco to undergo surgery on Tuesday
Injured quarterback Joe Flacco is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Tuesday.
Flacco was injured on Nov. 22, but the swelling in his knee needed to subside before he could undergo the procedure. Renowned sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews was scheduled to perform the surgery in Alabama at 10 a.m. on Tuesday after Flacco underwent a pre-surgical examination on Monday.
