Ravens Notebook: Joe Flacco not thinking about contract situation

Ravens QB Joe Flacco says all his attention is focused on the playoffs and not his contract situation.

By Jason Butt

Jan 3, 2013 at 6:25 pm ET • 3 min read

QB Joe Flacco is focusing on beating Indianapolis and not his upcoming contract negotiations. (US Presswire)

Ravens QB Joe Flacco will have another shot this postseason to prove he's worth a top-tier contract for elite-level quarterbacks.

Although there have been no negotiations between Flacco's camp and the Ravens during the season, there's a chance talks could pick up once Baltimore's postseason ends.

For Flacco, who threw for a career best 3,817 yards, he's doing what he can to focus on the upcoming task -- defeating the Colts in the first round of the NFL playoffs. If Flacco proves his worth during the playoffs, he'll be confident about a deal heading into the offseason.

"You try to lead this team to victories," Flacco said. "That's what we are trying to do right now. That's all I'm concerned about, making a playoff run and making the Super Bowl."

If Flacco and the Ravens do not reach a deal in the offseason, then the organization will likely give him the franchise tag, which is tentatively set at $14.6 million for 2013.

"All that other stuff will take care of itself," Flacco said. "Whatever happens, happens. It's not really that big of a deal at the end of the day."

Ellerbe's decision: LB Dannell Ellerbe, who will become a free agent when the season ends, said his preference is to remain with the Ravens for the long term.

But the nature of the NFL business could get in the way. Ellerbe is second on the team in tackles (89) and tied for second in sacks (4.5). Ellerbe, who's playing under a second-round tender worth $1.927 million, figures to receive a raise wherever he ends up in 2013.

"I love Baltimore," Ellerbe said. "I started my career here, I'd love to finish it here. It's a business so it's not up to me. If it was up to me, I'd be here."

Ellerbe said familiarity with the system, coaches and players are big reasons why he wants to continue playing in Baltimore. Another factor in Ellerbe's favor would be increased playing time with Ray Lewis announcing his retirement following the postseason.

"I know the defense, I love the city and I know people here," Ellerbe said. "I have good relationships with the coaches. Everything I could possibly want is here."

Giving Pagano rest: With Colts coach Chuck Pagano returning for his second game since undergoing treatment for leukemia, defensive coordinator Dean Pees jokingly said the Ravens have a solution for Pagano: Win, so Pagano can rest and continue to get better.

"I think he needs a lot of rest in the offseason and I think the best thing we could do is give that to him," Pees said with a smile.

McClain's recovery: LB Jameel McClain said his health has improved since suffering a spinal cord contusion four weeks ago against Washington.

The pain has lessened, but the risk for re-injury was too great for him to return this year, which is why he was placed on season-ending injured reserve. McClain is hoping to be back on the practice field when the Ravens report for mandatory minicamp this offseason.

"I feel like I want to play football, but unfortunately I can't," McClain said.

Injury report: FB Vonta Leach (knee/ankle) was the only player to miss practice Thursday, although his injuries are not considered serious enough to keep him out of Sunday's playoff game.

Limited in practice -- RB Anthony Allen (head), TE Billy Bajema (head), WR Tandon Doss (ankle), CB Chris Johnson (thigh), DE Pernell McPhee (thigh), DT Haloti Ngata (knee), RB Bernard Pierce (ankle), S Bernard Pollard (chest), LG Jah Reid (toe) and RG Marshal Yanda (shoulder/knee).

Full participants -- LB Ellerbe (ankle), WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder), DE Arthur Jones (thigh), LB Lewis (triceps), LB Albert McClellan (shoulder/thigh), RT Kelechi Osemele (knee), S Ed Reed (shoulder), CB Jimmy Smith (sports hernia), WR Torrey Smith (knee) and OLB Terrell Suggs (biceps).