Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders because of his right hip injury, leaving the starting job to rookie Lamar Jackson for the second straight week.
After Flacco missed practice again Friday, coach John Harbaugh said he was unsure what the game-day status of the team's longtime starter would be. But he acknowledged: "I'm counting on Lamar being the starter for this game. I think that's pretty straightforward."
Jackson has been the presumed starter all week after he led the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Harbaugh said after the game that Flacco would be hard-pressed to make it back to face the Raiders.
The quarterback question could loom larger next week as the Ravens prepare for a trip to Atlanta to play the high-scoring Falcons.
But Harbaugh acknowledged that the longer Flacco is out, the more difficult it would be for him to jump straight into game action.
"At this point, he would have to practice to be ready," he said.
As for Jackson, he's changed little in the wake of his successful debut as an NFL starter. He ran for 117 yards and rallied the Ravens from an eight-point deficit to put them in a five-way tie for the final AFC wild-card spot.
"Same guy," Harbaugh said. "He's always confident and into it and upbeat. He's kind of the same. It's interesting. He's just kind of Lamar, and he's a joy to be around."
Also ruled out Friday was right tackle James Hurst (back), who hasn't played since Week 6.
Running back Alex Collins (foot), defensive back-linebacker Anthony Levine Sr. (ankle), left guard Alex Lewis (shoulder), outside linebacker Tim Williams (ankle) and cornerback Tavon Young (groin) are questionable to play. Levine, Williams and Young were limited in practice Friday, while Lewis did not participate.
For Oakland, starting wide receiver Martavis Bryant (knee) was ruled out, while fellow starting wideout Jordy Nelson (knee) is questionable. Cornerback Leon Hall (back) is also questionable.
