The Baltimore Ravens have remained optimistic that quarterback Lamar Jackson would be able to play this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. But that optimism is slowly fading away.
Jackson was held out of practice on Wednesday as he continued to nurse his ankle injury. The hope was that he’d be able to suit up on Thursday, especially given that the team will only be going through a walkthrough on Friday.
Unfortunately, Thursday has arrived and Jackson was once again held out of practice. At this stage, it seems unlikely that he’s able to play in Week 15.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo echoed that sentiment indicating that it now looks like “an uphill battle” for Jackson to play this Sunday.
The latest Lamar Jackson injury update is bad news for the Ravens
Jackson suffered a low-ankle sprain early in the second quarter of the team’s 24-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns this past weekend. While the Ravens hoped he wouldn’t be forced to miss a game, that belief was always on the optimistic side of things.
The Ravens signed veteran Josh Johnson off the New York Jets practice squad on Wednesday — a sign that they were worried about Jackson’s status for this week.
Johnson is in line to serve as the backup on Sunday with Tyler Huntley assuming starting duties provided Jackson is unable to play.
The former Utah standout played admirably in Jackson’s absence this past Sunday finishing 27-of-38 for 270 yards, a touchdown, and two fumbles. A matchup against an excellent Packers team should provide a greater challenge, however.
With a crucial game against the Cincinnati Bengals on tap for Week 16, it might just be in the Ravens’ best interest to rest Jackson this week so that he’s as healthy as possible for that critical matchup.
The last thing the Ravens need is for Jackson to suffer some sort of setback and miss their most important game of the season.
The Ravens haven’t officially ruled Lamar Jackson out for Sunday’s game, but it seems pretty unlikely that he’s able to play.