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Joe Flacco was scheduled to visit a doctor Monday to have his right hip injury re-examined, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Flacco has neither practiced nor played since he suffered his injury on November 4 and he must be cleared by a doctor before returning to practice or play.
"I think he's seeing the doctor today," Harbaugh said at his Monday press conference. "We will have advice on this."
Harbaugh is in no hurry to announce his starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. He might not at all this week. Lamar Jackson started the last two games, but once Flacco is allowed to play,[add] the crows will have a decision to make.
The results of Flacco's review will determine if he is ready to return this week. It's not a problem of pain tolerance, Harbaugh said.
"My understanding of this injury, the most important criterion is the protection of the hip, its ability to protect itself," Harbaugh said. "So it has to be strong and stable. There is no big tear in there. But the hip must be strong and not restless for Joe to protect himself. And that's the worry, it's Joe's safety. That's why, that's why it's up to the doctor to decide. It's not like a hamstring or something like that – well, it's that degree healed or not. A dislocated hip? We do not want that. "
If Flacco is eliminated, Harbaugh said the decision to start Jackson or Flacco will be based on the quarterback that will give the Ravens the best chance of winning. If Flacco is allowed to play, Harbaugh does not exclude any one- or two-quarter use scenario. Prior to Flacco's injury, Harbaugh discussed the possibility of Jackson playing an entire series and sharing shift duties.
"We will do everything we think gives us the best chance and try to use all our players in the best way possible, so everything is on the table in this sense," Harbaugh said. "That's pretty much the answer."
If Flacco is eliminated, Harbaugh said the decision to start Jackson or Flacco will be based on the quarterback that will give the Ravens the best chance of winning. The quarterback position gets more attention than any other, but Harbaugh does not let the controlling factor in his decision.
"I always ask for a lot of opinions, but in the end it's a decision," said Harbaugh. "There are opinions and decisions. You make a decision based on what you think is the best. I do not think the head coach is better placed than anyone to make a decision. I am really very confident to have a good grasp of the work, to understand the team and what we need to do.
"I do not think you started making those decisions before you get to the bridge. Do not cross the bridge before you get there? I think it's a very good shot. I will be ready to make that decision when the time comes. Yes, with all the contributions of different people involved, who have an interest in it. It does not change because it's a quarter. "
Tony Jefferson is a fast healer, but Chuck Clark can play
Ravens' safety Tony Jefferson left Sunday's win after an ankle injury in Sunday's second quarter, but Harbaugh congratulated Chuck Clark on the way he replaced Jefferson. Whether Jefferson plays Sunday or not will depend on his progress this week.
Clark played 27 shots Sunday, his most important action of the season. The sophomore of Virginia Tech was a sixth round pick in 2017. He distinguished himself in the special teams as a rookie and shone in defense.
"Chuck played well," said Harbaugh. "He made several attacks and was in excellent position. If Tony can not go – and Tony is a notoriously fast healer, he healed quickly last week – so I think Chuck is a very solid player for us and that he'll play well. "
With Alex Collins, Ty Montgomery becomes a major element of the offense
Ty Montgomery had some good moments on offense Sunday with 51 yards in eight races and three catches for 13 yards. It was only Montgomery's second match with the Ravens since it was acquired on the Green Bay Packers trade deadline. Harbaugh was pleased with Montgomery's comfort in this attack.
"To engage at this level is really a good job on the part of our coaches," Harbaugh said.
Veteran running back Alex Collins (foot) did not dress Sunday for the first time this season. Collins coached last Friday after missing training on Wednesday and Thursday, and Harbaugh said his foot injury would likely be something he should handle for the rest of the season.
"Ultimately, these things are healing," Harbaugh said. "It's not like a bone fracture or something like that."
Montgomery was happy to be part of the offensive mix.
"I'm really grateful to be here and I thank the Ravens for giving me this opportunity," Montgomery said. "I have great guys around me and coaches around me, and I'm grateful for the role they've given me: being able to be productive and help this team."
Hayden Hurst's three-catch performance could be a sign of things to come
Rookie forward Hayden Hurst made three catches Sunday for 25 yards, including two catches that were good for a first try.
Harbaugh felt that Hurst had been successful in making Jackson available for the completion of the second half, which was part of the Ravens' touchdown program. In third and fifth place, Jackson rolled to his right and threw Hurst at his back for a scripted piece of deception.
The Ravens hope their first-round pick will be a bigger part of the stretching offensive. For the season, Hurst scored seven catches for 82 yards and one touchdown after missing the first four games due to a foot injury.
"He trained well," Harbaugh said of Hurst. "He did not play a lot of football. The more he trained, the more he received reps, I think he really connects to something. The regression was covered. Between Lamar who made a good pitch and Hayden who made a good catch and who became aware of the situation, the depth to get the first try was really a big game for us.
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