Joe Flacco's now a backup. But, @stevebeuerlein , says: "My feeling is that if Baltimore is going to make a run at this ... I don’t think John Harbaugh in any way, shape or form intends to stick with Lamar Jackson if things turn south." bsun.md/2S3OzHn (via @ChildsWalker )
Joe Flacco and Robert Griffin III are both warming up on the field 90-plus minutes before kickoff. Lamar Jackson, as usual, is getting ready in the locker room.
Ravens INACTIVES: RB Ty Montgomery, FB/DL Patrick Ricard, G Alex Lewis, QB Robert Griffin III, DT Zach Sieler, WR Jordan Lasley, LB Tim Williams. Joe Flacco is ACTIVE and the lone backup QB. Montgomery is the obvious surprise.
Ravens QB Robert Griffin III, WR Jordan Lasley, OLB Tim Williams, G Alex Lewis, RB Ty Montgomery, DL Zach Sieler and FB/DL Patrick Ricard are inactive today against Tampa BAy.
Buck Allen hasn't seen an offensive snap the past two weeks, but the Ravens apparently value his special teams contribution more than they do Ty Montgomery's value on offense today.
Also good news for the Ravens that cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Tavon Young are healthy enough to play. Safety Tony Jefferson is back, too, after missing the past two games.
Joe Flacco will be a backup for the first time today since, I believe, Jan. 1, 2005, when Tyler Palko started for @Pitt_FB in the Fiesta Bowl against Utah. Alex Smith and the Utes blew out Darrelle Revis and the Panthers, 35-7.
With a win today, the Ravens' playoff chances improve to ~61 percent, according to the @UpshotNYT playoff simulator. With a win and a Steelers loss, they're even better: ~71 percent. With a loss and a Steelers win, they fall to ~20 percent.
It's not a make-or-break Sunday for the AFC’s four 7-6 teams -- the Ravens included -- but every defeat leaves a little less margin for error. Here's your Week 15 rooting guide: bsun.md/2ExgKvd
Lamar Jackson has thrown two bad passes today. One was bailed out by pass interference. The other was just dropped by the defender. Tampa Bay takes over after a punt at its 13.
Lamar Jackson couldn't handle the snap, and the Bucs recover a fumble at their 49. Unfortunately for the Ravens, Jackson's been good for an aborted handoff seemingly every game.
Lamar Jackson continues to struggle with exchanges, and that one cost the Ravens. Really shaky start for the rookie as Joe Flacco stands on the sideline.
I'm really surprised the Bucs are running on the Ravens to this degree. One of the worst rushing offenses in the league is averaging five yards a carry.