Rival Report: Flacco Injury Could Further Ground Ravens Offense

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on July 27, 2017

The reports, official and unofficial, vary over the latest injury situation for the Baltimore Ravens as they enter training camp; quarterback Joe Flacco has an ‘issue’ with his back. While details on the extent and cause of the injury vary, the Ravens offense has been woefully thinned out by an extensive list of injuries and other off-field issues making 2017 – at least initially – appear to be a season of filled with strife.

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Flacco’s Injury

Jeff Zrebeic, a Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun, broke part of the story on Wednesday, confirming that Flacco had discomfort in his back that prompted the team to send him for an MRI. Flacco, who reported to training camp last week, had been experiencing pain for the past two weeks.

Flacco hurt back while working out in NJ about 10 days ago. Felt tweak but Didn't think it was big deal and didn't immediately report it.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 27, 2017

Ian Rapoport shared that he and Tom Pelissero had been informed that Flacco was preparing to miss 3-6 weeks with a disc issue; out at least a week or two. Pelissero confirmed that doctors were attempting to figure out a real timeframe.

The Ravens, as of Wednesday evening, had not publicly commented on the injury or its potential impact. Coach John Harbaugh is slated to speak with the media after camp practice on Thursday and Flacco is scheduled to speak on Friday.

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Complications Beyond Flacco

The Ravens were dealt a serious blow when veteran tight end Dennis Pitta was released from the team during OTAs after a third career hip injury. On Tuesday, running back Kenneth Dixon tore a meniscus in his left knee and was slated to be out for two to three weeks until surgery and Coach Harbaugh revealed he’ll now miss the entire 2017 season.

Complicating the matter is the fact that, should the Ravens place Dixon on the injured/reserved list before the season begins, he may face a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

With Dixon absent, the Ravens have Danny Woodhead, Buck Allen, Terrance West, recently-signed Bobby Rainey and undrafted rookie Taquan Mizzell to pick up the rushing duties. Fullback Lorenzo Taliaferro could also get more touches.

Tight end Darren Waller, slated to compete for Pitta’s vacated spot, will serve a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse rules. Benjamin Watson and Crockett Gillmore look to be the top options at the position heading into camp with Nick Boyle, Ryan Malleck and Max Williams competing for the final 53-man roster.

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Addressing the Quarterback Situation

Since signing in 2015, Ryan Mallett has been Flacco’s backup. The number three quarterback is Dustin Vaughan, a practice-squad journeyman since entering the league undrafted out of West Texas A&M in 2014. (Steelers fans may remember Vaughan from last year’s preseason, who was waived-injured with a fractured thumb.)

In two seasons with the Ravens, Mallet has played in just six games. He has completed 61 of 103 passes, thrown only two touchdowns and been intercepted three times.

Vaughan has zero stats to put behind his name. Zero.

The questions surrounding whether Flacco has a serious-enough injury to limit him beyond camp has encouraged plenty of speculation that two well-known quarterbacks could be brought in for a look over. The first name that popped up was embattled veteran Colin Kaepernick. The second was Robert Griffin III, who worked out with the Chargers on Tuesday. The Chargers opted to trade the Buffalo Bills a conditional pick for Cardale Jones instead.

Obvious name to dot-connect to Ravens — if Flacco injury is more serious — is Colin Kaepernick. Played for Harbaugh's bro and Greg Roman.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 27, 2017

There is a connection to Kaepernick and the Ravens… sort of. John Harbaugh publicly supported Kaepernick in the past and brother Jim, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and now the University of Michigan, has intimate knowledge of his athletic ability and personality. Ravens senior offensive assistant and tight ends coach Greg Roman was also Kaepernick’s offensive coordinator in San Francisco.

Whether the Ravens are willing to bring Kaepernick in for what may turn out to be a minor injury to Flacco could backfire. Flacco led the team to an 8-8 record with a bland offense in 2016. The Ravens utilized the draft and free agency in an attempt to improve that record. Kaepernick is likely to want the starting position, and that’s something that may fly in the face of the guy who’s been getting it done for nine seasons as the franchise’s field general – elite or not.

Back injuries are tricky – ask Tony Romo. If Flacco simply needs rest, then the Ravens can breathe somewhat of a sigh of relief and try to get their offense put together quickly. If he has a more serious injury, things could get very interesting.

Baltimore fans will likely be as polarized in who they throw their support behind as well should Flacco be limited for an extended amount of time. Regardless of how training camp and Flacco’s injury recovery works out, the Ravens have a very short time to prepare their roster for a successful 2017 season campaign.