KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Quarterback Joe Flacco was inactive for the Ravens' game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, the fourth straight game the team's longtime starter missed.
Flacco, who suffered a right hip injury over a month ago, was cleared Friday to play for the first time since Week 9, coach John Harbaugh said after the 27-24 overtime loss. But Harbuagh said Flacco "just didn't have a chance to prepare enough."
Flacco, who did not return to practice until Nov. 29, practiced fully Friday after being close to a full participant Thursday. Medical experts said he risked a possible career-altering dislocation if he returned too soon, and Harbaugh has said that Flacco would need to practice before he can play, though he has not specified how much.
Flacco was inactive for the Ravens' game last week against the Atlanta Falcons, the third straight win led by rookie Lamar Jackson, but Harbaugh declined Friday to say who might start Sunday if both were available.
Safety Tony Jefferson (ankle) missed his second straight game, but the Ravens secondary was no further depleted against Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City's passing attack. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (groin) and Tavon Young (groin) and defensive back-linebacker Anthony Levine Sr. (ankle), all of whom were questionable entering the weekend, were on the team's 46-man game day roster.
James Hurst (back), who missed the team's previous six games, started at left guard in place of the injured Alex Lewis (shoulder). Rookie Orlando Brown Jr., who took over for Hurst at right tackle, remained at the position.
Also inactive for the Ravens were wide receiver Jordan Lasley, fullback-defensive lineman Patrick Ricard, outside linebacker Tim Williams (ankle) and defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
Wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Kelvin Benjamin and safety Eric Berry were the Chiefs' notable inactives. Running back Charcandrick West, guards Kahlil McKenzie and Jimmy Murray and tight end Deon Yelder were also inactive.
