And the Ravens’ starting quarterback is …
With a week before their season opener, the Ravens don’t know who will start under center against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on Sept. 7.
Rookie Joe Flacco showed significant improvement by completing 8-of-13 passes for 72 yards in a 10-9 loss to Atlanta on Thursday, but whether he’ll be named the starter is far from being decided.
Kyle Boller remains sidelined with what appears to be a serious shoulder injury and Troy Smith remains hospitalized at Union Memorial with a tonsil-related virus. The team signed Casey Bramlet, who went 7-of-21 passing for 100 yards and two interceptions against the Falcons after arriving in Baltimore just hours before the game.
But Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he’s not ready to name a starting quarterback.
“I think Joe is in a place where he can come back and compete for us as an opening day starter,” Harbaugh said. “Now, whether that’s the best thing for us, that’s where we’re at. We’ll have to see in the next four or five days, but he’s acclimating himself very well.”
For Flacco, the chance to be the opening day starter is a big change from two weeks ago when Harbaugh announced the race was between Boller and Smith. During the preseason, Flacco — the 18th pick in this year’s NFL Draft — completed 35-of-67 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown.
Bramlet played nearly three quarters against the Falcons, but it is unclear if he’ll make the team. The Ravens are waiting to see how Boller’s shoulder responds to treatment before deciding whether to acquire a veteran quarterback.
Flacco said the only way he can become a good quarterback is by playing.
“How are you going to learn when you’re sitting?” he said. I think the best way to learn is to go out there and experience it. You learn a lot of different ways, but for me the best way to learn is to go out there and experience it for yourself.”
Harbaugh said he was glad to finally see several of his key players return to the field against the Falcons, including left tackle Jared Gaither, wide receiver Demetrius Williams and tight end Todd Heap.
“Once you get to a certain point, you know how to get ready for the season,” Heap, who had been nursing a right calf injury, said. “I’m excited about this first game, especially being a home game in front of our home crowd.”
But Harbaugh does not know the availability of starting cornerback Chris McAlister (knee), safety Ed Reed (shoulder) and running back Willis McGahee for the opener.
“There will be a couple of guys who have to play against Cincinnati who didn’t get a chance to play in [the Falcons] game, but to play at least a couple of series and get on the field and get some action I think helps the players get ready for the regular season.”
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