OWINGS MILL, Md. — As it became more apparent that starting quarterback Lamar Jackson won’t be returning for the wild-card playoff clash in Cincinnati, the Ravens’ overall quarterback picture did improve on Thursday.
While Jackson remained sidelined for a 39th consecutive day because of a sprained PCL in his left knee, top backup Tyler Huntley resumed throwing in the open portion of practice for the first time since the Week 17 loss to Pittsburgh. Inactive for the regular-season finale against the Bengals, Huntley has been dealing with right shoulder tendinitis for weeks, but head coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that the third-year quarterback was “on schedule” and feeling better after sitting out last Sunday. That was good news with him in line to start his first career playoff game in place of the injured Jackson on Sunday night.
“He looked good. He’s progressing,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman about Huntley’s throwing on Thursday. “It’s day to day, but making progress. We’ll take stock on it every day.”
Rookie Anthony Brown, who started in Week 18, would serve as the No. 2 quarterback if Huntley starts in Cincinnati.
Running back Gus Edwards remains in the concussion protocol, but he was able to return to practice on a limited basis on Thursday, a good sign for his hopes of being cleared to play in the wild-card round. Edwards wore a protective Guardian Cap over his helmet and a red vest over his practice jersey, which signals no contact with other players.
Long snapper Nick Moore remained absent due to undisclosed illnesses, but special teams coordinator Chris Horton didn’t express any concern when asked about Moore’s availability for Sunday night.
Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (shoulder) and Marcus Peters (calf) were upgraded to full participation after practicing on a limited basis on Wednesday. Sidelined since the Week 15 loss at Cleveland, Peters returned to practice on a limited basis last week and is on track to play against the Bengals.
“Marcus has been a big part of what we’ve been doing, no matter what his role has been, throughout the whole season,” defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “Shoot, he sits right in front of me in defensive team meetings, and he’s a guy that brings a lot of energy. When he’s out there and when he’s with the guys, it definitely brings a boost to the team.”
All but one player on the Bengals’ 53-man roster practiced on Thursday as starting wide receiver Tee Higgins was a full participant after sitting out the previous day because of an illness. Cincinnati right guard Alex Cappa has already been ruled out on Sunday night.
Below was Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: OL Trystan Colon (illness), QB Lamar Jackson (knee), LS Nick Moore (illness), CB Brandon Stephens (illness)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: RB Gus Edwards (concussion), QB Tyler Huntley (right shoulder/wrist), WR Tylan Wallace (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION: CB Marlon Humphrey (shoulder), CB Marcus Peters (calf)
CINCINNATI
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: G Alex Cappa (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: CB Cam Taylor-Britt (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION: WR Tee Higgins (illness)
