Baltimore Ravens veteran quarterback Joe Flacco suited up for practice Saturday, a sign that he could be ready for their opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10. The 32-year-old Flacco missed all of training camp and the preseason due his back problems, which was initially expected to cost him three to six weeks.
“It feels good to be back out here with the guys and be a part of everything again,” Flacco said in a statement. Flacco added that he’s excited about the start of the regular season. Earlier, coach John Harbaugh said Flacco resumed throwing last week.
After the practice session, Harbaugh said Flacco looked good, but the team will continue his progress in the next few days leading up to their showdown against the Bengals.
While Flacco was out, Baltimore looked at backup Ryan Mallett, but he performed poorly in the training camp and preseason, prompting the Ravens to look for other options. The Ravens were reported to be interested in veteran quarterback Colin Kaepernick. However, no deal was made as team owner Steve Bisciotti reportedly blocked the move, per Dianna Russini of ESPN.
Colts remove Luck from PUP list
The Indianapolis Colts announced that they have officially removed quarterback Andrew Luck from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Saturday.
The Colts decision came as no surprise as Luck will miss the first six games of the season if he remains on the list. However, Luck’s situation remains uncertain as he’s still rehabilitating from offseason shoulder surgery and has yet to practice with the team. The Colts can use Scott Tolzien as starter in their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams while newly acquired Jacoby Brissett could serve as backup while they wait for Luck’s return.
The Colts recently traded wide receiver Phillip Dorsett to the New England Patriots for Brissett. Last season, Luck started 15 games, tallying 4,240 yards and 31 touchdowns with 13 picks, but the Colts missed the playoffs for the second straight season with an 8-8 mark.
Vikings keep QB Teddy Bridgewater on PUP list
The Minnesota Vikings have retained quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on the PUP list, meaning he cannot play in the first six games of the regular-season.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the move means that the Vikings have not ruled out Bridgewater playing in 2017. Last August, Bridgewater suffered a dislocated knee and a complete tear of his ACL, placing his future in question. The team declined Bridgewater's fifth-year option in May.
