The Baltimore Ravens just can’t catch a break. With Lamar Jackson missing practice for a third consecutive day on Friday, it seems all but guaranteed that Tyler Huntley will once again be asked to start.
That is, if he’s even able to play.
Huntley also missed practice on Friday for what was described as a non-COVID illness. And with practice squad quarterback Chris Streveler already on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, that left the Ravens with just one healthy quarterback in practice.
That quarterback is Josh Johnson who was signed off the New York Jets practice squad just nine days ago. If Huntley is unable to play, Johnson would be in line to start. It’s unclear who his backup would be.
The Ravens are holding their breath that Tyler Huntley can play
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report Huntley’s illness, although the team still hopes that he will be able to play. NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala is reporting that Huntley is “still expected to start” in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
But if you recall, a similar sentiment was shared about Jackson prior to the team’s Week 11 game against the Chicago Bears. And we all know how that turned out.
Jackson has all but been ruled out for this Sunday’s crucial divisional clash with the Bengals. In many ways, it’s a must-win game for Baltimore with their division (and perhaps playoff) hopes on the line.
Huntley started this past week in place of the injured Jackson and exceeded all expectations nearly leading his team to an upset win over the Green Bay Packers.
And with injuries and illness ravaging the rest of the roster, the Ravens could ill-afford to lose another quarterback. Asking Johnson to start less than two weeks after arriving in Baltimore would be a ridiculous task for the veteran quarterback.
But, if Huntley is unable to play, that’s likely the direction the Ravens will be forced to take. You literally cannot make this stuff up.