Ravens win costly as Joe Flacco lost for the season with knee injury

Not that it'll ruin the Baltimore Ravens' playoff hopes, but they'll play out the string this season without quarterback Joe Flacco, who tore his ACL on Sunday, coach John Harbaugh said.

Flacco tore "at least" his ACL on a slant pass on the Ravens' last series in their last-minute win over the St. Louis Rams, Harbaugh said. Flacco got rolled up on by one of his linemen, according to Harbaugh. Flacco told reporters after the game he believes his MCL is likely torn as well.

Flacco finished the game, which is a testament to his toughness. Next week will be the first time in Flacco's career he has missed a game. He had started all 122 Ravens regular-season games since he was drafted in 2008.
The Ravens are in the middle of a horrific season, though Sunday's win improved their record to 3-7. Technically they're not eliminated from the playoff race, but realistically their season ended long ago. Now the season is officially over for their quarterback. The Ravens also lost running back Justin Forsett to a broken arm on Sunday, and had previously lost pass rusher Terrell Suggs and receiver Steve Smith to season-ending injuries.

The Ravens will turn to veteran Matt Schaub the rest of the season, and sign a new backup. Flacco presumably should be good to go for the start of next season. Carson Palmer tore his ACL in early November last year, didn't miss a game and is in the MVP conversation. So the Ravens' 2016 plans shouldn't be affected by his injury.

This season was already lost for the Ravens. Now they'll really be challenged to be competitive the rest of the way after taking on a couple more serious injuries in a win over the Rams.