Report: Signs point to a Joe Flacco return this Sunday

In his regularly scheduled Monday press conference, Baltimore Ravens head coach sounded optimistic for a Joe Flacco return this Sunday.

It’s been just four days since Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco suffered a brutal hit from Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso. The hit sent Flacco immediately into concussion protocol and out for the rest of the game.

Alonso’s hit sparked controversy across the league and social media alike. From all accounts, it looked like a dirty hit, but the NFL has yet to make a decision on the play.

There haven’t been any updates on Flacco’s condition since the hit until head coach John Harbaugh spoke today in his regularly scheduled press conference.

Harbaugh expressed optimism on Flacco’s playing status saying he has “zero” concussion symptoms and that “There’s a good chance he’ll play.”

You usually wouldn’t see this kind of optimism in a regular week, but the Ravens have an extra three days of rest because of their Thursday game. Flacco still has to go through a five-step concussion protocol before he can play, but all signs point to a return against the Titans this Sunday.

The Ravens desperately need Flacco back as he gives the team the best chance to win. Ryan Mallett is a decent backup but that at best. It’s hard to feel confident with Mallett as the starter for four quarters this week.

At 4-4, the Ravens are still very much in the playoff race. With a manageable schedule in the second half of the season, they have a chance to sneak into a Wild Card spot.

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Flacco deserves criticism for his struggles but you can’t discredit his toughness. He finished a game with a torn ACL and is now coming back from this brutal hit. If Flacco doesn’t return this Sunday, he’ll definitely be good to go after the team’s Week 9 bye.