OWINGS MILLS, Md. — A couple weeks after making his return from a monthlong absence due to a hamstring injury, Lamar Jackson was missing from the practice field on Wednesday.
The two-time MVP quarterback is now dealing with what was listed as a knee issue on the first injury report of the week, but head coach John Harbaugh didn’t sound overly concerned about Jackson’s availability for Sunday’s tilt in Cleveland. Jackson played every offensive snap in last Sunday’s game in Minnesota and did not appear to be favoring his knee at any point despite taking plenty of hits in the 27-19 win over the Vikings.
For what it’s worth, Jackson’s nine rushing attempts in Week 10 marked a season high.
“It’s not the hamstring — nothing there,” said Harbaugh about Jackson’s health. “Some soreness coming out of the game. He should be OK, and I’m looking forward to practice tomorrow.”
In two games since returning to action, Jackson has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions with Baltimore winning each contest to improve to 4-5 and move to just one game behind Pittsburgh for first place in the AFC North.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey indeed underwent a procedure to have a pin inserted in his injured finger, which means the four-time Pro Bowl selection won’t play against the Browns. However, Harbaugh indicated the hope is for Humphrey to be able to return as soon as next week.
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With Humphrey out, Chidobe Awuzie is expected to start at cornerback opposite Nate Wiggins. Harbaugh was very complimentary of the veteran’s play this season despite the Ravens’ shift to using more three-safety alignments that have reduced Awuzie’s playing time.
“Sometimes, all of the guys don’t get talked about,” Harbaugh said. “Sometimes, you play so well, you don’t get noticed because nothing happens, especially at corner. I thought he played great [against Minnesota], and I’m sure glad he’s on our team.”
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle), running back Justice Hill (toe), and inside linebacker Jay Higgins (toe) also sat out Wednesday’s practice. Bateman’s status for Sunday’s game is in doubt, and Higgins is expected to miss a few weeks with a knee injury sustained against Minnesota.
Meanwhile, defensive end Alex Wright (quad) was the only member of the Browns’ 53-man roster not to practice Wednesday. The starter opposite six-time Pro Bowl selection and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Wright is not expected to play in Sunday’s game.
Cleveland listed 10 other players as limited participants.
Below is Wednesday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Rashod Bateman (ankle), ILB Jay Higgins (knee), RB Justice Hill (toe), CB Marlon Humphrey (finger), QB Lamar Jackson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: TE Isaiah Likely (hip), RB Keaton Mitchell (knee), S Malaki Starks (knee)
CLEVELAND
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: DE Alex Wright (quad)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB Jerome Baker (Achilles), G Joel Bitonio (rest), WR Isaiah Bond (foot), TE Harold Fannin (hamstring), DE Myles Garrett (rest), OT Cornelius Lucas (back), TE David Njoku (rest), LB Carson Schwesinger (shoulder), WR Cedric Tillman (glute), CB Denzel Ward (rest)
