Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed a second consecutive practice Thursday, just three days before the Ravens host the 5-3 Denver Broncos, who have won five of their last six games.
On Wednesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Jackson was just getting a “rest” day, but a second day off the practice field clearly indicates some level of physical concern about the reigning league MVP.
To complicate matters, the Ravens have two games in a five-day span. After the Broncos matchup Sunday, Baltimore will face the division rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium.
“He’s been playing great, and we have a lot of football in front of us,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. Jackson is not available to reporters again until Friday. “We have a game, a quick game and another big game coming up, so that was warranted today.”
It isn’t clear what play or plays Jackson got hurt on during the Ravens’ 29-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. However, he did appear to be battling some discomfort in the locker room after the game. A few Ravens players approached him to check on him.
If Jackson can’t play, the Ravens would start journeyman backup Josh Johnson, who last started a game in 2021. The 38-year-old has made nine career starts in parts of nine seasons in the NFL.
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