Report: Flacco's back injury confirmed as minor by 2nd opinion

Evaluations of Joe Flacco's back issue continue to yield relatively promising results.

After Baltimore Ravens officials conveyed optimism about the veteran quarterback's condition over the past week, a recent second medical opinion confirmed that Flacco is dealing with a minor injury, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

The player's workload is "gradually being ramped up," La Canfora adds, which falls in line with head coach John Harbaugh's expectation that Flacco will soon return to practice.

The Ravens initially responded to the back injury by weighing their options regarding a potential quarterback addition on the open market. While they could still make such a move, perhaps to provide competition for Ryan Mallett at the backup spot, it looks like their longtime starter will be ready long before the season begins.

Flacco started all 16 games for the Ravens in 2016, completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 4,317 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.