The Baltimore Ravens are in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt.
At times this season, they’ve looked unbeatable. At others, they’ve seemed lost, unfocused, and uncertain. Last week’s debacle against the Cleveland Browns was definitely the latter.
Baltimore was clinically exposed in their matchup against the Browns. The passing defense continues to be a nightmare, while the pass rush is too inconsistent to apply appropriate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The offense, however, has been absolutely buzzing. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been astonishing. His feel for the game has reached new levels, where he seemingly can make anything happen on the football field. If he continues to play this well, he'll earn his third MVP award.
Running back Derrick Henry has been unstoppable, leading the league in rushing yards, touchdowns, and probably defenders stiff-armed through Earth. The offense only got more dangerous by acquiring star receiver Diontae Johnson.
The Ravens will need all the offense they can get. They host the stingy Denver Broncos defense at M&T Bank Stadium this weekend in what's going to be a back-and-forth affair.
Speculation looms over this matchup as key Ravens contributors missed practice, including the team’s most vital player.
Updated Ravens injury report for Week 9 against the Denver Broncos
Well, so much for, "he's just resting," John Harbaugh. Apparently, Jackson's inclusion on the first injury report was a bit more than what we were led to believe.
Another day, another missed practice for the MVP frontrunner. That's now back-to-back days without him at practice, and speculation is starting to rightfully run rampant. Is he injured, or is he not? While we most likely won't find out until tomorrow's final report, when there's smoke, there's fire. All eyes will be on the practice field tomorrow.
Ravens offensive coordinator tossed cold water on the speculation, saying it's good practice for backup QB Josh Johnson.
Ravens OC Todd Monken on not having Lamar Jackson for the first two practices of the week: “It is what it is. Josh (Johnson) could use the work.” pic.twitter.com/q8gwjeALEO
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 31, 2024
Alongside Lamar Jackson, here are the other Ravens players who either missed or were limited in today's training.
Did not participate:
- QB - Lamar Jackson (back/knee)
- DT - Travis Jones (ankle)
- DE - Brent Urban (concussion)
- DT - Broderick Washington (knee)
- DT - Michael Pierce, placed on IR (calf)
Limited participation:
- CB - Marlon Humphrey (knee)
- RB - Rasheen Ali (ankle)
The Ravens' defensive backs continued to work on catching the football today. Here's to hoping it results in fewer dropped interceptions moving forward.
Only one defensive lineman was active during today's practice: Nnamdi Madubuike. Travis Jones continues to struggle with an ankle injury, while Brent Urban is still nursing a concussion suffered in Baltimore's loss against the Browns. Broderick Washington was limited today.
Oh my, how quickly this week turned into major skepticism over the absence of Lamar Jackson. Regardless, the Ravens need him to pilot the most explosive offense in the NFL. The 5-3 Denver Broncos are up next and their defense is no joke.