OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Despite missing the first two practices of the week, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is off the injury report and “100%” to start against Denver on Sunday.
Listed with back and knee issues, Jackson — who practiced fully Friday — said he was “just trying to get my body right” and pointed to the Ravens preparing to play two games in a five-day period as they host the Broncos and have a quick turnaround against Cincinnati next Thursday night. Of course, it’s not ideal to have your starting quarterback miss practice time — especially with newcomer wide receiver Diontae Johnson arriving only Wednesday — but Jackson took part in meetings and is more than prepared mentally.
“He’ll be ready. I’m not worried about it,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He studied all week. He was involved in all the preparation stuff. He knows the game plan. He knows the opponent. He’ll be ready to go.”
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (knee) and defensive tackle Travis Jones (ankle) were officially listed as questionable to play Sunday after Humphrey was limited in practices throughout the week and Jones logged a single limited practice on Friday. Humphrey sat out last Sunday’s loss in Cleveland while Jones was limited to just 15 snaps with an ankle injury suffered in Week 7.
Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins (illness/shoulder) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and is off the injury report after sitting out in Week 8.
With Jones’ status uncertain, defensive end Brent Urban (concussion) officially out, and nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) now on injured reserve, the Ravens will need to elevate one or two defensive linemen from the practice squad to play against the Broncos. In more encouraging news, defensive tackle Broderick Washington (knee) doesn’t carry a game status designation after sitting out Thursday’s practice.
Baltimore must make any roster moves for Sunday’s game by 4 p.m. Saturday, which could include a decision on whether to activate running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) from the physically unable to perform list. Mitchell was listed as a full practice participant all week, but the fact that the Ravens play the Bengals four days after the Broncos game is a consideration for any other player dealing with health concerns or coming off an injury.
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“You definitely have to keep both games in mind,” Harbaugh said. “When you watch the Thursday night games, you can kind of tell what a challenge it is to have your team as ready to play as they can be. That’s definitely part of the consideration.”
Despite his lack of on-field practice time with Jackson, Johnson “did well” picking up the Baltimore offense and is up to speed enough to be in position to contribute Sunday, according to Harbaugh.
The Broncos officially ruled out starting safety P.J. Locke, who will miss his second straight game with a thumb injury.
Below is the final injury report for Week 9:
BALTIMORE
OUT: RB Rasheen Ali (ankle), DE Brent Urban (concussion)
QUESTIONABLE: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (knee), CB Marlon Humphrey (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), RB Keaton Mitchell (knee)
DENVER
OUT: S P.J. Locke (thumb), S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee)
