Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, still hampered by a knee injury, is not expected to return for Sunday’s AFC wild-card-round game against the Cincinnati Bengals after missing his second practice of the week Thursday.
Jackson hasn’t practiced since leaving the Ravens’ Dec. 4 win over the Denver Broncos. The team is expected to hold a lighter workout Friday, its final practice day of the week, and a walk-through Saturday ahead of its playoff opener at Paycor Stadium.
Coach John Harbaugh said last Friday that he was “hopeful” Jackson would return for the playoffs, but the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player’s rehabilitation has stretched for nearly six weeks. Jackson hasn’t played since Week 13, a span during which the Ravens have gone 2-3 and struggled on offense.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman indicated after practice Thursday that the team was planning on playing without him.
“He’s working hard rehabbing,” he said. “We’re really focused in on the guys in this game plan, so I think his full effort, motivation right now is to get himself back to full strength.”
Backup Tyler Huntley, who sat out the Ravens’ 27-16 loss Sunday in Cincinnati to rest his right (throwing) shoulder, resumed throwing in individual and team drills Thursday, though he’s been limited in both practices this week. He started four games in the regular season for the Ravens, playing through tendinitis in his shoulder, and Harbaugh said after practice Wednesday that he was “on schedule.”
“He looked good” on Thursday, Roman said. “He’s progressing. It’s day-to-day, but making progress. Take stock on it every day.”
Undrafted rookie Anthony Brown, who started Sunday, went 19-for-44 for 286 yards against the Bengals but had three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble), all of which led to Cincinnati touchdowns. Roman said the Ravens’ quarterback situation is “very fluid ... and it probably will be up until game time.”
He added: “But you really don’t even pay attention to it. It’s next-man-up, and you coach who’s there, and away we go.”
Running back Gus Edwards, who was pulled from Sunday’s game after entering the NFL’s concussion protocol, was limited in his return to practice, where he wore a protective Guardian Cap helmet. He still has to be cleared to play in the playoffs.
Defensive back Brandon Stephens and long snapper Nick Moore, who both missed Wednesday’s practice because of an illness, remained out. Offensive lineman Trystan Colon was also absent with an illness. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (hamstring) was limited.
Cornerbacks Marcus Peters (calf) and Marlon Humphrey (shoulder) were full participants Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Peters is expected to play Sunday for the first time since a Week 15 injury.
For Cincinnati, starting right guard Alex Cappa (ankle) missed his second straight practice and is not expected to be activated. Starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (groin) was limited for the second straight day.
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