OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Coming off a disappointing loss in Cleveland and preparing to play two games in a five-day period, the Ravens practiced without quarterback Lamar Jackson on Wednesday.
The injury report officially listed Jackson as dealing with back and knee issues, but head coach John Harbaugh downplayed his absence as Baltimore ramped up preparations for Sunday’s home meeting with Denver. Jackson played every offensive snap last Sunday, but he was sacked a season-high three times and pressured a season-high 21 times, according to Pro Football Focus. The Browns also registered seven quarterback hits in their 29-24 win over Baltimore.
“A rest day. He’s been playing great, and we have a lot of football in front of us,” Harbaugh said. “We have another big game coming up, so that was warranted today.”
Jackson’s absence meant less time for him to build on-field chemistry with new wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who made his practice debut with the Ravens on Wednesday.
Also absent from Wednesday’s practice was defensive linemen Travis Jones (ankle) and Brent Urban (concussion). That came on the heels of nose tackle Michael Pierce officially being placed on injured reserve with a calf injury that isn’t expected to be season-ending, according to Harbaugh. However, the Baltimore defense is again shaping up to be thin in the trenches as the Broncos come to town.
In better injury news, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (knee) and Nate Wiggins (illness/shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis after both sat out in Week 8.
“We’ll go day by day,” Harbaugh said. “They looked good today, and we’re looking forward to hopefully seeing them out there Sunday.”
After practicing on a limited basis upon being designated to return from IR last week, running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) practiced fully on Wednesday.
Two Denver starters missed practice on Wednesday as safety P.J. Locke (thumb) and right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) were absent. Locke sat out last Sunday’s win over Carolina while McGlinchey’s knee continues to be managed during the practice week since he returned from IR earlier this month.
Below is Wednesday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: RB Rasheen Ali (ankle), QB Lamar Jackson (back/knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), CB Arthur Maulet (neck), DE Brent Urban (concussion)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: CB Marlon Humphrey (knee), DT Broderick Washington (knee), CB Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness)
FULL PARTICIPATION: RB Keaton Mitchell (knee)
DENVER
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: S P.J. Locke (thumb), OT Mike McGlinchey (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: DE Zach Allen (rest), FB Mike Burton (foot), S Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION: OT Alex Palczewski (ankle), CB Pat Surtain II (ankle)
