It’s official: Jackson is Ravens’ starter

As he worked diligently for more than a month to return from a potentially dangerous hip injury, Joe Flacco watched the Ravens flourish without him.

Now that he’s healthy, Flacco must adjust to a role he’s never experienced during his 11-year NFL career: backup quarterback.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday selected rookie Lamar Jackson as his starter, opting to play the hot hand rather than a former Super Bowl MVP who’s been starting since his inaugural season in 2008. After Flacco hurt his right hip in a loss to Pittsburgh on Nov 4, the fleetfooted Jackson took over as the starter following a bye week. Under his guidance, the Ravens ramped up their running game and went 3-1, the only loss in overtime last Sunday on the road against the powerful Chiefs.

With Baltimore desperate to end a three-year playoff drought, Harbaugh decided the Ravens would be best served with Jackson running the offense.

“Every decision is based on making us the strongest possible team we can be,” Harbaugh said. “Whether it’s quarterback or defensive line, that’s the bottom line. That’s what it boils down to.”

Jackson will start Sunday when the Ravens (7-6) host Tampa Bay (5-8).

Eagles: Carson Wentz is sidelined with a back injury, but two people familiar with the situation tell The Associated Press the quarterback hasn’t been ruled out for Philadelphia’s game at the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles would start if Wentz can’t play. Foles hasn’t taken a snap since Week 2 but is taking reps with the first team.

Seahawks: Mychal Kendricks’ awkward season came to an abrupt end when the linebacker was placed on injured reserve after injuring his left leg in Seattle’s win over Minnesota. Coach Pete Carroll said Kendricks will need surgery to repair what sounds like a pair of injuries to his left knee and leg.

The injury brought an end to a roller coaster season for Kendricks. The Minnesota game Monday night was his first following an eightgame suspension handed down by the NFL after Kendricks pleaded guilty to federal insider trading charges.

Dolphins: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is expected to play Sunday at Minnesota despite a right ankle injury that sidelined him briefly during last week’s win over New England. Tannehill was limited in practice Wednesday, but jogged and said his ankle is improving. Coach Adam Gase said Tannehill will play barring a setback.

Bills: Though running back LeSean McCoy missed practice Wednesday to nurse a sore left hamstring, McCoy told The Associated Press there’s a chance he’ll play in Buffalo’s home game against the Lions on Sunday.

Bears: Placed cornerback Bryce Callahan on injured reserve because of a broken left foot. Coach Matt Nagy says Callahan will need surgery after being hurt in Chicago’s 15-6 victory over the Rams on Sunday night.

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