The Ravens are guardedly optimistic about the chances of quarterback Jim Harbaugh starting Sunday's game against the New York Jets, but the 12-year veteran said he is ready to play.
Harbaugh took his usual repetitions with the first-team offense yesterday during a two-hour, 20-minute practice. If either his right index finger or right elbow were bothering him, he showed little discomfort completing intermediate and long passes.
However, four starters -- middle linebacker Ray Lewis (hamstring), defensive tackle James Jones (knee), wide receiver Michael Jackson (ribs) and cornerback Rod Woodson (back) -- did not practice. It was Woodson's fifth missed practice since training camp started in mid-July.
"Everything felt good," Harbaugh said. "I think I'll be starting. Check with the coach on Sunday. Yesterday I took a little rest, and today it seemed to pay off. I have an all-round better feeling. My attitude is much better because I've been working."
Harbaugh had to leave Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after hyper-extending the index finger on his right hand. The problem has been compounded by tendinitis in his right elbow,which developed 11 days ago.
Coach Ted Marchibroda said a decision on Harbaugh will be reached today.
"He worked today, now we'll wait and see how it is tomorrow," said Marchibroda, who could be delaying his decision to force the Jets to prepare for Eric Zeier and Harbaugh instead of just Harbaugh. "That is the deciding factor. You have to judge this on how much swelling you may get after the first real day of work, and then how well he can throw the football. I know he can throw better than today."
Harbaugh was much more optimistic. He considered going to an acupuncturist Wednesday, but the session didn't take place because of a scheduling conflict.
"I'm not thinking about [the injuries]. I'm just playing ball," Harbaugh said. "I'm not worried, just going to play. This ballgame means a lot to this team, a lot to me. Both teams need a victory right now."
If Harbaugh can't play, then Zeier would start. Zeier came off the bench Sunday to complete 16 of 27 passes for 240 yards, including a pass play that covered 64 yards to wide receiver Jermaine Lewis. Last year when quarterback Vinny Testaverde injured an ankle, Zeier started and won the next game, forcing Testaverde to remain on the bench for three more games. Zeier won three of four in relief of Testaverde.
