Is Jackson’s rest day hiding bigger issues? Back and knee trouble could mean more than just a midweek break for Baltimore’s star QB.
Following a tough loss in Cleveland and gearing up for two games in just five days, the Ravens held practice on Wednesday without quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Lamar Jackson was officially listed on the injury report with back and knee issues, but head coach John Harbaugh minimized his absence as Baltimore focused on preparing for Sunday’s home game against Denver.
Despite playing every offensive snap last Sunday, Jackson endured a season-high three sacks and 21 pressures, based on Pro Football Focus data. The Browns also hit him seven times in their 29-24 victory over the Ravens.
“A rest day. He’s been playing great, and we have a lot of football in front of us,” Harbaugh explained. “We have another big game coming up, so that was warranted today.”
Without Jackson, the team missed a chance for him to build on-field chemistry with new wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who practiced with the Ravens for the first time on Wednesday.
Defensive linemen Travis Jones (ankle) and Brent Urban (concussion) were also missing from practice. Nose tackle Michael Pierce is officially on injured reserve with a calf issue, but Harbaugh clarified that it shouldn’t end his season.
Still, Baltimore’s defensive line is looking thin as they prepare to face the Broncos.
On a brighter note, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (knee) and Nate Wiggins (illness/shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis after both missed Week 8.
“We’ll go day by day,” Harbaugh said. “They looked good today, and we’re looking forward to hopefully seeing them out there Sunday.”
Running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) fully participated in Wednesday’s practice after being designated to return from injured reserve last week.
Meanwhile, two Denver starters were absent on Wednesday. Safety P.J. Locke (thumb) and right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) both missed practice. Locke missed last Sunday’s game against Carolina, and McGlinchey continues to manage his knee carefully during practices since returning from injured reserve earlier this month.
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