Health concerns will seemingly haunt the 2021 Ravens until the bitter end.
Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard and tight end Nick Boyle were placed on the reserve-COVID-19 list just three days before the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh, further depleting an offense that failed to score a touchdown in last Sunday’s 20-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Ricard was also placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury that sidelined him for three of the last four games. It’s unclear whether Ricard suffered a setback after playing 28 offensive snaps in his return against the Rams.
The announcement came shortly before Thursday’s injury report revealed Lamar Jackson hadn’t practiced again, making it even more evident that the star quarterback will miss his fourth straight game with a right ankle injury suffered Dec. 12. Jackson has officially missed four straight workouts since participating on a limited basis on Dec. 29, the only time he’s practiced since hurting the ankle against Cleveland in Week 14.
“There is no update on Lamar,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said before Thursday’s indoor practice closed to reporters. “He is day to day. I think [the ankle’s] improving, but for me to speak on that really bears no weight and carries no weight.”
Cornerback Anthony Averett (ribs/chest) and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (foot) remained sidelined from practice as they’re in danger of missing a second straight game with injuries sustained in the Week 16 loss at Cincinnati. Wide receiver Marquise Brown (ankle) and guard Ben Cleveland (head) were new absences after not being listed on the injury report on Wednesday.
Should Cleveland’s status be in question, starting left guard Ben Powers (foot) practiced on a limited basis for a second straight day, leaving open the possibility of his return after a three-game absence.
The Steelers continue to deal with their own virus-related problems with top wide receiver Diontae Johnson and starting center Kendrick Green being placed on the COVID-19 list a day after starting cornerback Joe Haden landed on the list. Pittsburgh again practiced without left tackle Dan Moore (ankle) and right guard Trai Turner (knee), leaving its offensive line on very shaky footing approaching the end of the practice week.
Below is Thursday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: CB Anthony Averett (ribs/chest), WR Marquise Brown (ankle), G Ben Cleveland (head), RB Devonta Freeman (non-injury), QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), OLB Odafe Oweh (foot), OT Alejandro Villanueva (non-injury), DT Brandon Williams (non-injury)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: OT Patrick Mekari (hand), G Ben Powers (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION: G Bradley Bozeman (illness), QB Tyler Huntley (illness)
PITTSBURGH
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: LB Buddy Johnson (foot), CB Arthur Maulet (illness), OT Dan Moore (ankle), G Trai Turner (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION: CB Terrell Edmunds (groin), QB Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder)
