The Ravens' preparation for Shedeur Sanders paid off last week when the rookie was thrust into action in the second half.
This week, Baltimore is again doing heavy lifting when it comes to scouting and preparing for the opposing quarterback.
The Jets have benched Justin Fields and are going with 15-year veteran and former Ravens backup Tyrod Taylor. But the Ravens are still preparing for the possibility that the Jets use Fields in some tailored packages.
"This week, we know it's going to be Tyrod, so that helps us," Harbaugh said. "But we also know that Justin Fields could very well come in [during] the game and play certain plays or packages or whatever. So, we have to be ready for that, too."
In addition, the Ravens are keeping an eye on Cincinnati, where quarterback Joe Burrow was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after returning to the field last week.
Burrow is ahead of schedule and has made it clear he wants to return for the Thanksgiving game in Baltimore. A full practice participation with 11-on-11 work would seem to indicate that he's on track to do so.
With two games in five days, the Ravens are doing additional work behind the scenes this week to get a head start on what will be a big AFC North showdown against the Bengals. Former Raven Joe Flacco (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday.
"We don't know which quarterback we're going to get. The good news is, we know them both [Burrow and Flacco]; we've played against them a lot," Harbaugh said. "But now our people are looking at how they fit into the offense basically that they're running. But we won't look at that until Monday."
Emery Jones Jr. Is 'Close' to Being Ready for Game Action
Emery Jones Jr.'s pro career got off to a late start after shoulder surgery kept him off the field until Oct. 1, but he could be available to play soon.
The Ravens have been working to get the rookie offensive lineman up to speed, and Harbaugh said he's "getting pretty close to being ready to play."
"Emery Jones Jr. has made very good progress, very quick progress," Harbaugh said.
While Jones was primarily a right tackle in college at LSU, he said he's been learning watching the Ravens' guards in practice and has always felt like that would be his position in the NFL. He said he's made his biggest strides in the mental part of the game.
"I feel like I've made some big improvements. I'm just trying to stay focused on what I came here to do, and that's to help this football team," Jones said.
"I feel like it's the mental part that kind of sets you apart – being able to play fast off the ball and hit people and get to your assignment fast. I feel like those are the guys that are elite."
Mark Andrews Loved 'Hurricane' But Is 'Ready to Move On'
There's been enormous buzz surrounding the Ravens' fake "tush push" that Mark Andrews turned into a game-winning 35-yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens call the play “Hurricane,” and it has been a whirlwind for Andrews over the last few days. He's watched a ton of replays, but while Andrews enjoyed reliving the moment, he has turned his attention to Baltimore's Week 12 game against the New York Jets.
"I was telling [Harbaugh], I think I'm getting kind of tired of seeing it," Andrews said with a chuckle. "I'm ready to move on. It was obviously an awesome play. Everybody did their job and it was incredible. Real, real cool, but excited about this week."
Asked why the play was named "Hurricane," Harbaugh said he was looking for a weather-related theme. He said plays called "Tornado" and "Monsoon" are "both in the hopper."
"We're kind of moving on to the next one," said Harbaugh, who didn't confirm Marlon Humphrey's report that Harbaugh was the author of the play.
Andrews reached 20.09 mph on his scamper to the end zone, the top speed of his career, according to Next Gen Stats. But don't assume that Andrews can't run faster.
"I had a little more juice in the tank," Andrews said. "I'm saving that for later."
Trenton Simpson Finds His Niche Playing Versatile LB Role
Drafted as an inside linebacker, Trenton Simpson has flashed since moving to outside linebacker more frequently in recent weeks. Simpson had a season-high two quarterback hits against the Browns despite playing only five defensive snaps.
Harbaugh said Simpson could have a long-term versatile role.
"He's already shown, you can put him out there and he can do a good job with it," Harbaugh said. "He looks good out there. The fact he can line up pretty much at any linebacker position and be put on the edge, that's a big plus."
Part of why Simpson moved more to outside linebacker is to help offset the loss of Tavius Robinson, who suffered a foot injury in Week 6 against the Rams. Robinson was placed on injured reserve, but is nearing a return.
"Tavius Robinson is doing well. I'd say he is right on schedule, and he's getting close," Harbaugh said. "Same thing for Ar'Darius [Washington]. They're both getting close."
