The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... As Rice awaits his day in court for a single count of aggravated assault, his QB doesn't appear too concerned. Joe Flacco is working under the impression that Rice will be available to the Ravens for all 16 games this upcoming season. That means no suspension from the league, the team or, more seriously, any jail time in his future. "I don't foresee anything crazy happening with that," Flacco said Monday. "I'm expecting to have him [for the entire season]."

Diehards Line: As Star-Ledger staffer Jordan Raanan reminded readers, Rice's next court appearance is scheduled for later this month following a February incident where he was shown on videotape seemingly dragging his wife (who at the time was his fiancée) into an elevator. Prosecutors recently offered Rice a plea deal that would keep him out of prison. Flacco hasn't talked to Rice about the issue and the QB doesn't feel there's a need to do so. "I haven't really talked to Ray much about it," he said. "Of course, it's a surprise when you hear about it." But what Flacco has seen and heard has him encouraged. That's important considering the Ravens are undergoing major changes this offseason under new OC Gary Kubiak. ... It all sounds good, but we'll continue to advise fantasy football owners to keep an eye on the situation in advance of drafting Rice.