Lamar Jackson held out of practice again ahead of Week 18 finale

The Baltimore Ravens remain hopeful that Lamar Jackson will be able to play in the team’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

But just as has been the case for the vast majority of the last few weeks, Jackson was forced to miss Wednesday’s practice as he continues to rehab his ankle injury.

Jackson has practiced just once since injuring his ankle early in the second quarter of the Ravens’ Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. That lone practice appearance came last Wednesday when he participated in a limited capacity.

Unfortunately, Jackson appeared to limp through the practice and was subsequently held out on Thursday and Friday before missing his third consecutive game on Sunday.

The Ravens still hope he can return in time for this Sunday’s game, but Wednesday’s designation wasn’t a good start.

Lamar Jackson’s status for Week 18 remains in serious doubt

Even if Jackson is able to return, the Ravens would still need a lot of help to reach the postseason. On top of a victory over the Steelers, the Ravens need the Jaguars to beat the Colts, the Raiders to beat the Chargers, and the Patriots to beat or tie the Dolphins.

That’s a lot of caveats, and it’s fair to assume a Lamar Jackson return wouldn’t be enough to salvage a playoff run. But with the playoffs still technically in reach, the Ravens are certainly going to do everything they can to get their star quarterback back on the field.

If Jackson is unable to play, the Ravens would once again turn to Tyler Huntley who has started two of the last three games at quarterback. Huntley has shown flashes from time to time, but there’s no telling how Jackson’s return might impact the offense.

Four other players were held out of Wednesday’s practice due to injury as well. Cornerback Anthony Averett (ribs/chest), offensive lineman Patrick Mekari (hand), outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (foot), and fullback Patrick Ricard (knee) were all sidelined too.

It remains to be seen how many of them will be able to play on Sunday. But, of course, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson as the week progresses.