Flacco loses job as Ravens starter; Jackson takes over
OW I NGS M I LLS, MD.» Joe Flacco has lost his job as Ravens starting quarterback and will be the backup Sunday for the first time in his 11-year NFL career.
Flacco is finally healthy after missing the past four games with a right hip injury. The Ravens went 3-1 during his absence under rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson, and coach John Harbaugh has decided to stick with the firstround draft pick with Baltimore striving to end a three-year playoff drought. Jackson will start Sunday when the Ravens (7-6) host Tampa Bay (5-8).
“Every decision is based on making us the strongest possible team we can be,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. “Whether it’s quarterback or defensive line, that’s the bottom line.”
The 33-year-old Flacco has been a starter since his rookie season in 2008 and was Super Bowl MVP when the Ravens beat San Francisco to end the 2012 season.
Saints release WR Marshall.
The Saints released veteran receiver Brandon Marshall, who had not been active on game day since signing one month ago.
Marshall’s release made room on the roster for tight end Erik Swoope, whom New Orleans has claimed off of waivers from Indianapolis.
The 34-year-old Marshall, who has eight 1,000-plus-yard seasons in his career, has now been cut by two teams this season.
Seattle LB Kendrick on IR.
WA SH.» Mychal Kendricks’ awkward season came to an abrupt end when the linebacker was placed on injured reserve after injuring his left leg in the Seahawks’ 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.
Monday’s game was his first following an eight-game suspension after Kendricks pleaded guilty to federal insider trading charges.
2020 NFL draft in Vegas.
The NFL draft is heading to Las Vegas for 2020.
It almost certainly will arrive before the Raiders do.
“We believe the draft will be the kickoff to our inaugural season,” said Raiders owner Mark Davis, who is moving the team from Oakland.
The league announced Wednesday at an owners meeting that the city where the Raiders will begin play in September 2020 will host the draft that April.