Lamar Jackson misses second straight practice ahead of Denver Broncos–Baltimore Ravens matchup

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — On Wednesday, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s absence from practice was no big deal.

“A rest day,” Harbaugh said. “He’s been playing great, and we have a lot of football in front of us. We have another big game coming up, so that was warranted today.”

But when the Ravens released their first injury report of the week, it indicated that Jackson’s absence was because of back and knee injuries. Whatever. No big deal.

Then Jackson missed Thursday’s practice, his second straight absence. And Harbaugh doesn’t hold a press conference on Thursdays, so there’s no update.

“I think Lamar’s going to play,” Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said on Thursday. “It’s midseason. Maybe he’s a little beat up. But he’s always answered the bell. He’s going to play.”

Joseph is probably right… but if Jackson misses Friday’s practice, it will be cause for concern. The Ravens will release an injury status on Friday; in, probable, questionable, doubtful or out.

Even if Jackson plays on Sunday, two missed practices could make an impact.

The standard NFL schedule looks like this…

Monday: Recovery and meetings.
Tuesday: Off day.
Wednesday: Practice, typically installing the base offense for the upcoming game.
Thursday: Practice, typically focusing on situations like third downs or red zone.
Friday: Another practice that typically focuses on situations like third downs or red zone.
Saturday: Walkthroughs and meetings.
Sunday: Gameday.

Jackson is a veteran. Missing a couple of practices is no big deal. But the Ravens’ offense might carry over more plays from previous weeks than you’d typically expect since Jackson will miss at least two-thirds of the on-field install time.

And how much different is a 90% Lamar Jackson compared to the full-strength two-time MVP winner? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Full Injury Report

The Broncos and Ravens released their updated njury reports ahead of their game on Sunday.

The big news, of course, is Jackson’s absence.

On the Baltimore side, there isn’t much new information.

On Denver’s side, Mike McGlinchey grew from a non-participant to a limited participant. Only safety PJ Locke did not participate in practice.

Broncos

Ravens

Notes

• The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced nine coaches as semifinalists for enshrinement. Two Broncos coaches, Mike Shanahan and Dan Reeves, were among them.