The Baltimore Ravens were without quarterback Lamar Jackson in practice on Thursday prompting questions about what might have caused his unexpected absence.
Despite initial fears that Jackson might have been held out due to an injury, perhaps even related to his hip, it doesn’t appear as though that’s the case.
As first reported by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Jackson is dealing with a stomach bug and is expected to be fine for this Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
This was later confirmed by the Ravens’ official injury report which declared him as out with a non-COVID-19 related illness.
The Ravens avoid any injury scare with Lamar Jackson
Following Wednesday’s practice, Jackson commented that his hip might be “a little sore” after his flipping, game-winning touchdown in Sunday night’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jackson’s comments were seemingly in jest, at least that was the assumption at the time. Although that didn’t stop some from connecting his absence to his “sore hip” remark.
Nonetheless, Jackson is expected to be fine and he should return to the field prior to this Sunday’s Week 3 matchup.
That’s good news for a Ravens squad coming off one of their most thrilling victories in years. Jackson was a huge part of that win as he scored three total touchdowns including the game-winner.
If Jackson wasn’t able to go this week, it would have been former undrafted QB Tyler Huntley who would have been called on to make his first career NFL start.
Huntley took first-team reps in Jackson’s place during Thursday’s practice, but it doesn’t seem as though he will be asked to do much more.
It’s unclear if Lamar Jackson will return on Friday, but it does seem as though he’ll be fine for Sunday’s game.
Breathe easy Ravens fans. No reason to flip out.