Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson missed practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday, prompting concern over his status for the Ravens’ home game Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Coach John Harbaugh had described Jackson’s absence on Wednesday as a “rest” day, but the injury report released later listed the quarterback with back and knee issues. Baltimore got back to work this week after a shocking loss at Cleveland (2-6).
“He’s been playing great, and we have a lot of football in front of us,” Harbaugh said Wednesday. “We have a game, a quick game, and another big game coming up, so that was warranted today.”
Harbaugh was not available to the media on Thursday.
After playing the Broncos (5-3), the Ravens (5-3) host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) on Thursday and visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) on Nov. 17.
The Ravens have only one other quarterback on the roster, 38-year-old Josh Johnson. Devin Leary is on the practice squad.
Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, was selected the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October. Jackson was 86-of-128 passing (67.2 percent) for 1,241 yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception for a 126.5 passer rating. He also rushed for 193 yards in the month.
Jackson has completed 158 of 236 passes (66.9 percent) for 2,099 yards and 17 TDs with two interceptions in starting all eight games. He leads the league in average yards per attempt (9.95) and in passer rating (115.4).
He also has rushed 81 times for 501 yards and two TDs.
The Ravens selected Jackson with the 32nd overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville. He was voted NFL MVP in 2019 and last season, and he is a two-time first-team All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Jackson has passed for 17,986 yards and 142 TDs with 47 picks in 94 career regular-season games (85 starts). He also has 956 carries for 5,759 yards and 31 TDs.