The Lamar Jackson era might have to wait a while to officially kick into high gear. Despite an NFL record-breaking performance on the ground that led to the team’s first win in four games, the rookie might be on the bench once again Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens take on the Oakland Raiders.
On Monday, John Harbaugh told reporters he wouldn’t get into his quarterback plays going forward but did say Joe Flacco (hip injury) has a chance to play in Week 12.
Harbaugh isn't getting into any of his QB plans going forward. Harbaugh said Flacco has a chance to play Sunday. "It's not a surgical thing. It's a calming down type of thing with the hip. I'm not a doctor. I'm not even a TV doctor, so we'll see."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 19, 2018
Harbaugh also seemed to bristle somewhat on this subject, though he did compliment Jackson for his effort on Sunday against Cincinnati.
Harbaugh clearly getting fired up about the Lamar Jackson questions.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 19, 2018
Harbaugh on Jackson: "He played his ass off. That's what he did. Celebrate that and move on."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 19, 2018
Given all that Harbaugh and Flacco have been through together as a coach-quarterback duo, it’s not hard to envision the coach turning back to the veteran if he’s healthy enough to play.
But it’s fair to wonder if that is the right move. After all, the last five games that Flacco has played in, he threw four touchdowns and four interceptions, and the Ravens lost four of those five games.
Baltimore’s offense was explosive during Sunday’s win over Cincinnati, though most of the damage did come on the ground.