The Baltimore Ravens were without quarterback Lamar Jackson in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday as the former MVP sat out due to a non-COVID-19 illness.
This marked the third time this season that Jackson had missed practice time due to an illness. Although it certainly didn’t hurt his team the previous two times as the Ravens went on to win both games.
Jackson returned to practice as a full participant on Friday and was not listed on the final injury, seemingly indicating that he would be good to go for this Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
However, in a somewhat concerning move, Jackson was added back to the injury report on Saturday and is officially listed as questionable for Week 11.
We are adding QB Lamar Jackson (illness) back to the injury report, and he is questionable to play tomorrow vs. Chicago.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 20, 2021
Could the Ravens be without Lamar Jackson in Week 11?
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that Jackson is expected to travel with the team to Chicago. Whether that means he will play or not remains to be seen.
The Ravens will have until 4:00 p.m. ET to decide if they want to use a practice squad elevation on Trace McSorley. Tyler Huntley is the only other quarterback currently on the active roster.
If the Ravens choose not to elevate McSorley, it would indicate that they fully expect Jackson to play. But if they do elevate him, that could hint at Huntley getting the start on Sunday.
Jackson has missed just two games in his NFL career, neither due to injury. He was held out of the team’s 2019 season finale with a first-round bye already clinched and then missed a game last season after testing positive for COVID-19.
Huntley is likely the player the Ravens would turn to if Jackson couldn’t play. The former Utah standout has played in four career games, but has never made an NFL start.
He’s completed 8-of-16 passes for 54 yards while rushing for an additional 33 yards on 13 carries.
Ravens fans will certainly hope to see Lamar Jackson take the field in Chicago this Sunday. But his late addition to the injury report certainly has some feeling uneasy.