Lamar Jackson has served as Joe Flacco’s injury replacement, but the Baltimore Ravens are sticking with the rookie even though the veteran is healthy.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, head coach John Harbaugh said Jackson will start in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Harbaugh said Lamar Jackson is the starting quarterback Sunday. Flacco is backup.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) December 12, 2018
Flacco returned to practice two weeks ago but hadn’t been active for either game. Overall, a hip injury sidelined him for four games.
During that stretch, Jackson has collected 600 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions with 336 rushing yards and two more scores. Aided by a terrific defense, the Ravens have posted a 3-1 record.
Given that Baltimore was 4-5 with Flacco, why change now?
Sure, Jackson isn’t a polished passer. His mobility, however, has brought a new dimension to the Ravens, who are suddenly the favorite to earn the AFC’s second wild-card berth. That’s partially a product of Jackson’s impact.
Flacco’s time as the starter in Baltimore may be over.