OWINGS MILLS, Md. — All but one member of the Ravens’ 53-man roster practiced Thursday in preparation for the Week 14 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams.
However, there’s concern when that player is Lamar Jackson.
The superstar quarterback was absent with what was listed as an illness on the official injury report. Asked about Jackson’s absence after practice, offensive coordinator Todd Monken declined comment and deferred to head coach John Harbaugh, who doesn’t talk with reporters on Thursdays. Though Jackson has occasionally missed practice time because of illnesses in the past, he hadn’t missed a workout all season.
The Ravens not only lead the AFC North with a 9-3 record, but they’re the only remaining team in the division with a healthy starting quarterback after Cincinnati and Cleveland lost Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson to season-ending injuries last month and Pittsburgh lost Kenny Pickett to a multi-week ankle injury last Sunday. Of course, Baltimore won’t feel too much sympathy for its division rivals after Jackson suffered season-ending injuries in each of the last two Decembers.
While Jackson was absent, wide receiver Rashod Bateman returned to practice after being absent with an illness on Wednesday. Star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike was upgraded to full participation on Thursday, a sign that he’s on track to clear concussion protocol to play against the Rams.
Meanwhile, the Rams were once again without starting tight end Tyler Higbee (neck) and starting outside linebacker Michael Hoecht (knee). However, rookie standout wide receiver Puka Nacua (shoulder) was upgraded to full practice participation, another sign that he’ll be ready to play against the vaunted Baltimore defense.
Below is Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: QB Lamar Jackson (illness)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB Malik Harrison (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION: WR Rashod Bateman (illness), OLB Malik Hamm (ankle), CB Marlon Humphrey (calf), DT Justin Madubuike (concussion), ILB Trenton Simpson (concussion), CB Damarion Williams (ankle)
LOS ANGELES
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: TE Tyler Higbee (neck), OLB Michael Hoecht (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: S Quentin Lake (hamstring), OLB Byron Young (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION: DT Larrell Murchison (elbow), WR Puka Nacua (shoulder)
