Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is "progressing very well," according to Head Coach John Harbaugh, although Flacco was not at Wednesday's practice during the portion open to the media.
He has not practiced or played since suffering a right hip injury Nov. 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Flacco visited the doctor Monday, but Harbaugh did not go into specific detail about the steps Flacco would need to clear before returning to practice. NFL Network reported Tuesday that Flacco had not been medically cleared to return to practice.
"There's a process involved. It has to do with the doctors and the trainers and his rehab," Harbaugh said. "He's progressing very well. They'll be another step today, tomorrow, and the day after that and we'll see where we're at."
Rookie Lamar Jackson has started the last two games at quarterback, both Ravens victories. Harbaugh has been in no rush to name his starting quarterback for Sunday's game in Atlanta, but if Flacco doesn't return to practice this week, it will likely be Jackson again. Last week, Harbaugh said Flacco would need to practice to play after such an extended period off.
James Hurst Returns to Practice
Offensive lineman James Hurst returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday for the first time since Oct. 20, which at the very least bolsters a unit that's playing well.
A back injury has sidelined Hurst the last five games, after he started the first six games at right tackle. Orlando Brown Jr. has played well since taking over as the starting right tackle.
If Hurst is healthy enough to play Sunday, he could return in a several roles, either as a starter at tackle or left guard, or as valuable backup at both positions.
Gus Edwards, Tony Jefferson and Tavon Young Part of Lengthy Injury List
The Ravens had a lengthy list of absent players from Wednesday's practice.
Players who missed practice in addition to Flacco were running backs Alex Collins (foot) and Gus Edwards (ankle); cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (illness) and Tavon Young (groin); safety Tony Jefferson (ankle) and outside linebacker Tim Williams (illness). Absent for non-injury reasons were wide receiver Michael Crabtree, safety Eric Weddle, and guard Marshal Yanda.
