OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Coming off extra rest and preparing for their biggest game of the season to date, the Ravens had their entire 53-man roster on the practice field on Wednesday.
That included quarterback Lamar Jackson and cornerback Nate Wiggins as Baltimore counts down to Sunday’s critical AFC North showdown with Pittsburgh. Wiggins being back at practice was an encouraging development after he missed the second half of last Thursday’s 32-14 loss to Cincinnati with a left foot injury, but head coach John Harbaugh had indicated the injury wasn’t serious.
For Jackson, Wednesday marked the first time he participated in the first practice of a game week in more than a month as he’s dealt with nagging knee, ankle, and toe injuries since returning from the hamstring strain that sidelined him for three games earlier this season. The hope was that the two-time MVP would be as close to 100% as possible for the stretch run after the extra rest following a Thursday game.
“I’m not sure exactly the level of help probably,” Harbaugh said. “Yes, it’s always good to get a couple days rest — probably for everybody. That’s a positive in that sense. … It’s good to have him out there doing what he did today, and it’s a plus.”
Speaking to reporters after practice and roughly two hours before Wednesday’s injury report was released, Harbaugh may have been alluding to Jackson being a limited participant due to an ankle issue. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Jackson was dealing with soreness like in previous weeks or a new issue that popped up during practice. For what it’s worth, the four-time Pro Bowl selection was originally scheduled to speak to reporters after practice, but that was postponed due to him receiving treatment, according to a team official.
As expected, outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (foot) and safety Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles tendon) were also back at practice as they prepare to return from injured reserve and the physically unable to perform list respectively. Contrary to previous assumptions, Harbaugh said Robinson would not be ready in time to play against the Steelers as he makes his way back from a fractured foot suffered in October. More surprisingly, Harbaugh said Washington would have a chance to play as early as Sunday, but he acknowledged that not being a “probability” with this being Washington’s first practice time since sustaining a torn Achilles tendon in May.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already announced that rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon will miss a second straight game with a knee injury, which is bad news for a defense that surrendered 249 rushing yards to Buffalo in last Sunday’s loss. Three other Pittsburgh starters sat out Wednesday’s practice due to injury: quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist), outside linebacker T.J. Watt (toe), and inside linebacker Patrick Queen (glute). Of those three, Queen’s status is believed to be the biggest question mark.
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Below is Wednesday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), OLB Tavius Robinson (foot), S Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles), CB Nate Wiggins (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION: WR Rashod Bateman (ankle), WR Devontez Walker (groin)
PITTSBURGH
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: DT Derrick Harmon (knee), LB Patrick Queen (glute), S Jalen Ramsey (rest), QB Aaron Rodgers (left wrist), LB T.J. Watt (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: OL Calvin Anderson (knee), CB Donte Kent (ankle/knee), WR DK Metcalf (rest), CB James Pierre (concussion), WR Ben Skowronek (shoulder)
