For the first time since 2007, the Browns will line up against the Baltimore Ravens and won't see Joe Flacco behind center.
Flacco, the Ravens' franchise quarterback, suffered a severe injury Sunday near the end of the Baltimore's 16-13 victory over the St. Louis Rams. He played through the pain in the final minutes to lead the Ravens to a game-winning field goal.
"I wanted to win a game, and I didn't know what was wrong," Flacco told BaltimoreRavens.com. "I tried to hop up as quickly as I could, and I was heading toward the sideline. The fact that I was able to hop up and head toward the sideline, I said, 'Oh OK, let's hang out there and see what I can do.' I don't know if that was the best thing, but it's just a reaction."
Veteran Matt Schaub, whom the Ravens signed over the offseason, is anticipated to start next Monday against the Browns. His last start came in 2013, his last of seven seasons with the Houston Texans.
Schaub made the Pro Bowl in 2009 and 2012. He led the NFL with 4,770 passing yards in 2009 and would make the 91st start of his career against the Browns.
In two starts (four appearances) against the Browns, Schaub is 1-3 with 375 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
Flacco had one of the NFL's longest start streaks with Sunday serving as his 122th in a row. He's 13-2 all-time against the Browns. The only other player to attempt a pass this season for the Ravens is punter Sam Koch.
His injury is just the latest for a Ravens team that has been battered by them since the start of the season and was not the only significant one to come from Sunday's win against St. Louis.
Ravens running back Justin Forsett, who amassed 153 yards of offense against the Browns in October, broke his arm and is also out for the season. His replacement, rookie Javorius Allen, ran for 67 yards and caught five passes for 48 yards in place of Forsett against the Rams.
The Ravens (3-7) have also been without Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs since the season opener and top receiver Steve Smith Sr., since the midpoint of the year because of injuries.
