OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed a second straight Wednesday practice, but it was for a different ailment this time around.
After sitting out last Wednesday’s practice because of knee soreness, the two-time NFL MVP is now dealing with an ankle issue as Baltimore prepares to host the New York Jets on Sunday. While John Harbaugh called it the “same type of situation” as last week when Jackson was able to practice fully Thursday and Friday and play in last Sunday’s 23-16 win at Cleveland, the head coach declined to disclose any other details about his star quarterback, who is now dealing with his third different leg issue going back to late September.
Jackson injured his hamstring in the Week 4 loss at Kansas City and missed the next three games before returning to lead the Ravens to their Week 9 win in Miami. In seven starts, he’s been sacked 23 times, which matches his total from last year over a full 17-game season.
“I know it’s Lamar, it’s our quarterback. I understand how important it is,” said Harbaugh about questions regarding Jackson’s status. “It wasn’t in his best interest to practice today, and we’ll see where we’re at tomorrow.”
Even if Jackson’s absence proves again to be more of a precautionary measure, it’s not ideal for him to continue missing practice time as the offense searches for more consistency, especially inside the red zone with the Ravens ranking 28th in the NFL in touchdown percentage inside the 20. The NFL’s all-team leading rushing quarterback is also running less than ever with just 226 yards on 39 carries in seven games, which is also prompting more questions about his health.
Jackson wasn’t the only notable player missing from Wednesday’s practice as safety Kyle Hamilton (shoulder/groin), inside linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (illness), left guard Andrew Vorhees (foot), tight end Isaiah Likely (calf), and wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) also sat out.
“It’s the physical nature of the sport. Some guys don’t practice on Wednesday,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll try to get everybody available for Sunday that we can, and we’ll see — as the week goes on — who becomes available.”
8
In more encouraging news, cornerback Marlon Humphrey (finger) returned to practice on a limited basis while running back Justice Hill (toe) was a full participant. Humphrey and Hill were inactive for the Week 11 win over the Browns.
The Ravens will see an old friend as the opposing quarterback with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announcing veteran Tyrod Taylor would start Sunday. Taylor, 36, was originally drafted by Baltimore in the sixth round of the 2011 draft and served as Joe Flacco’s backup for four seasons.
Harbaugh quipped that his memory of Taylor in Baltimore is vague after all these years, but he said the Ravens would mostly focus on the three games in which he played for the Jets earlier this season to prepare for Sunday’s meeting. There’s also the possibility of mobile quarterback Justin Fields still being involved in New York’s game plan despite being benched.
“It’s mainly what he’s done this year, but we do go back [to look at old] tape,” said Harbaugh about preparing for Taylor. “He’s a heck of a quarterback. He’s played well for them this year already. He’s done a really nice job. We respect him greatly, and we know it’s a big challenge to defend a Tyrod Taylor-led offense.”
Taylor has three touchdown passes and three interceptions in three games this season.
The Jets practiced without starting defensive linemen Will McDonald (quad) and Harrison Phillips (foot) on Wednesday, but they both played in last week’s game despite dealing with the same injuries. Of course, New York dealt away its two best defensive players — cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams — at the trade deadline, which leaves a diminished unit.
Below is Wednesday’s full injury report:
BALTIMORE
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: WR Rashod Bateman (ankle), S Kyle Hamilton (shoulder/groin), QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), TE Isaiah Likely (calf), CB Keyon Martin (rib), ILB Roquan Smith (hamstring), OT Ronnie Stanley (illness), G Andrew Vorhees (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: CB Marlon Humphrey (finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION: RB Justice Hill (toe)
NEW YORK
DID NOT PARTICIPATE: DE Will McDonald (quad), DL Harrison Phillips (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION: LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (hamstring), OG Joe Tippmann (personal)
FULL PARTICIPATION: CB Azareye’h Thomas (concussion)
