Ravens' Starting Quarterback Is Still Unknown
It's Friday and the identity of the Ravens' starting quarterback for the Ravens' pivotal Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals is still unknown.
And it's clear that Head Coach John Harbaugh is having a good time with the mystery.
"There will be a quarterback starting. I can guarantee that," Harbaugh said. "And, every play, there will be at least one quarterback on the field."
Joe Flacco is still rehabbing his injured hip and didn't practice all week. He's listed as doubtful to play, but Head Coach John Harbaugh reiterated Friday that he doesn't need to practice to play.
"I'm standing by that," Harbaugh said before joking a bit with the media. "He's coming along beautifully. It's just amazing. Amazing, the recovery he's making."
Lamar Jackson missed Thursday's practice because of an illness but returned to participate fully on Friday and was removed from the injury report entirely, signaling that he's at least healthy enough to play Sunday. He couldn't speak with reporters because of a meeting, but said, "I'm good," before scampering out of the locker room.
However, the rookie first-round pick missed a very important day of practice before what would be his first career start. Asked whether that's concerning, Harbaugh said, "absolutely."
"It's not ideal," Harbaugh said. "Was it part of the plan? Apparently, it was."
Robert Griffin III was the Ravens' only quarterback at Thursday's practice and is still an option to start against the Bengals.
Griffin hasn't started a regular-season NFL game since Jan. 1, 2017. After a year out of the NFL entirely, he performed well this preseason with an 87.8 quarterback rating with a 66 percent completion rate.
Harbaugh referred to an NFL Network report that he could have been using some gamesmanship to keep the Ravens' starting quarterback under wraps.
"A 'John Harbaugh mind-meld,'" Harbaugh referenced. "I like Spock, but I'm more a Captain Kirk guy."
Ronnie Stanley Is Questionable, James Hurst Ruled Out
It appears the Ravens will have their starting left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, back, but there won't be a change at right tackle.
Stanley (ankle) is questionable to play after practicing fully on Friday. Hurst missed the Ravens' Week 9 loss to the Steelers but returned to practice Wednesday after the bye.
Right tackle James Hurst (back) has been ruled out, however. Hurst did not practice at all this week and hasn't done so in nearly a month.
Tim Williams Is Out, Other Defenders Questionable
The Ravens will still not have second-year pass rusher Tim Williams as he was ruled out after not practicing Friday because of an ankle injury. Williams was limited on Wednesday and Thursday.
Safety Tony Jefferson (thigh) and cornerback Tavon Young (ankle) both appear ready to play after being full-go on Friday. They're both listed as questionable.
Bengals' A.J. Green Is Doubtful, Not Ruled Out
There is (officially) a chance that the Ravens could face Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (toe) after all. Green has not practiced all week and reports suggested that he was originally ruled out, but that was later changed to doubtful.
It would still be somewhat of a surprise, but Ravens Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale said the Ravens have prepared as if the Bengals' star wide receiver will play.
The Bengals did rule out starting linebackers Nick Vigil (knee) and Preston Brown (knee), starting tight end Tyler Kroft (foot), backup defensive tackle Adolphus Washington (knee) and reserve wide receiver Josh Malone (hamstring).
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict (hip), cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (concussion) and wide receiver John Ross (groin) are questionable. Running back Joe Mixon (knee) popped up as limited in practice Thursday, but was a full participant Friday and removed from the injury report.
