As expected, Joe Flacco, Elvis Dumervil active for the Ravens-Patriots game

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will wear a protective brace on his left knee for today's game against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium.

Flacco practiced all week without any setbacks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will wear the brace for the first time since spraining his MCL during his junior year at Delaware. The Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player has dealt with swelling and soreness all week, but he was never expected to miss the first game of his NFL career.

This marks the 108th consecutive game for Flacco, who has started every game since being drafted in the first round in 2008. Flacco sprained his knee on a low hit by Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy that didn't draw a penalty or a fine.

Flacco had been listed as questionable.

Meanwhile, outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (bruised, sprained left ankle) and running back Ray Rice (quadriceps) are both active. They had been listed as questionable.

The Ravens scratched cornerback Asa Jackson (hamstring), safety Omar Brown, linebacker Albert McClellan (neck), center Ryan Jensen, wide receiver Deonte Thompson, tight end Dallas Clark and defensive tackle Brandon Williams.

Clark was active for the game against the Lions despite an illness, but he didn't play. He returned to practice this week without incident. He was a healthy scratch against the Minnesota Vikings two games ago.

The Ravens have just four wide receivers active: Torrey Smith (Maryland), Jacoby Jones, Marlon Brown and Tandon Doss.

The Patriots ruled out offensive tackle Nate Solder (concussion), tight end D.J. Williams, linebacker Dane Fletcher, wide receiver Josh Boyce, wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and defensive end Jake Bequette.

awilson@baltsun.com

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