Flacco doubtful; Jackson in wings

Door opens for rookie quarterback if veteran can’t play against Bengals

Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco is doubtful to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, opening the door for rookie Lamar Jackson to possibly make his first career start in the team’s most important game of the season.

Flacco missed his third straight day of practice Friday with a right hip injury, and the team did not practice during its bye last week. Flacco last practiced before the Ravens’ Week 9 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when he was injured.

Coach John Harbaugh reiterated Friday that Flacco will play against Cincinnati (5-4) if he’s able to, but no Raven in recent history listed as doubtful has gone on to play. Flacco has started every game since the start of the 2016 season, a streak of 41 straight, and has missed just six games in his career, all in 2015, when he tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee.

“He’s coming along beautifully,” Harbaugh said of Flacco, grinning wryly. “It's just amazing. It's amazing, the recovery he's making.”

Flacco’s potential replacement remains unknown, at least outside team headquarters. Harbaugh said Monday Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: Ch. 13 Radio: 97.9 FM, 1090 AM Line: Bengals by 51⁄