Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday, raising concerns about his status for the Ravens’ Sunday home game against the Denver Broncos.
Coach John Harbaugh described Jackson’s absence Wednesday as a “rest” day, but an injury report released later listed the quarterback with back and knee problems. Baltimore is back to work this week after a shocking loss to Cleveland (2-6).
“He was playing well, and we had a lot of football in front of us,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. “We have a game, a quick game, and another big game coming up, so that was approved today.”
Harbaugh could not be reached for press Thursday.
After playing the Broncos (5-3), the Ravens (5-3) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) on Thursday and visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) on November 17.
The Ravens have only one other quarterback on the roster, 38-year-old Josh Johnson. Devin Leary is on the practice squad.
Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October. Jackson was 86-of-128 (67.2 percent) passing for 1,241 yards, 12 touchdowns and one pass for a 126.5 passer average. He also rushed for 193 yards in the month.
Jackson has completed 158 of 236 passes (66.9 percent) for 2,099 yards and 17 TDs with two interceptions in all eight games. He leads the league in average yards per attempt (9.95) and passer rating (115.4).
He also rushed 81 times for 501 yards and two TDs.
The Ravens selected Jackson with the 32nd overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville. He was voted NFL MVP in 2019 and last season, and is a two-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Jackson has passed for 17,986 yards and 142 TDs with 47 picks in 94 regular season games (85 starts). He also has 956 carries for 5,759 yards and 31 TDs.
–Field Level Media