Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s practice week is following a familiar pattern.
Jackson has missed Wednesday practices in recent weeks for a variety of injury-related reasons and he was off the field this Wednesday due to illness. Jackson has returned to practice and played in games in those instances, so it is no surprise that the Ravens shared video of him going through practice with the rest of the team on Thursday.
Jackson’s participation level will be revealed on the team’s injury report, but it’s likely a safe bet that he’ll be able to go against the Patriots on Sunday night.
Reporters at the open portion of practice noted that linebacker Roquan Smith (knee), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle, knee), and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quad) have also returned to practice. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot) remains out of action for Baltimore.
Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice, the sixth consecutive week he’s gone without a full week of practice. This time, though, it wasn’t a knee, ankle or toe injury that kept the Ravens quarterback sidelined.
The Ravens list an illness as the reason for Jackson’s absence today.
He is not listed with any injury.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot), linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee), linebacker Roquan Smith (knee), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee/ankle) and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quad) also were non-participants on Wednesday.
Linebacker Jay Higgins IV (knee) and safety Keondre Jackson (ankle) were limited.
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) and defensive tackle C.J. Okoye (quad) were full participants.
It’s another Wednesday without quarterback Lamar Jackson on the practice field for the Ravens.
Jackson has been taking the first practice day off in recent weeks before returning for the rest of the week and he has not missed any games. Ankle, toe and knee injuries have been given as reasons, but last Wednesday was just a rest day and the team’s injury report will bring word about this Wednesday’s absence.
Reporters at the open portion of practice said left tackle Ronnie Stanley and linebacker Roquan Smith were also out of practice. Stanley limped off in last Sunday’s win over the Bengals, but head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the team did not think it was a major injury.
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie were non-participants as well. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman was practicing after missing last Sunday with an ankle injuey and linebacker Jay Higgins (knee) has been designated to return from injured reserve.
The Ravens defense did not allow any points last Sunday against the Bengals and they were able to put some points on the board in the 24-0 win.
Those points came on a Joe Burrow interception in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy came up with the pick on the Ravens’ 5-yard line, but he didn’t go the distance for the touchdown. Van Noy had a brief return and then handed the ball to safety Alohi Gilman so he could cover the final 84 yards.
Gilman, who was acquired in a midseason trade with the Chargers, had not scored a touchdown in an NFL game before. He also had eight tackles in the win.
The effort led the NFL to name Gilman the AFC defensive player of the week on Wednesday. It is the first time he’s taken those honors this season.
In recent years, a trend has emerged as to vested veterans (those with four or more years of service) who seek an opportunity to exit a non-playoff team for a shot at joining a contender. To get his release, the player waives his right to secure the balance of his salary, without offset, as termination pay.
Former Jets receiver Allen Lazard did not do that, per a source with knowledge of the situation.
It gives him the ability, if he chooses, to collect the remaining $291,667 of his $1.75 million base salary from the Jets, double dipping with whatever he gets from a new team. If, of course, the balance of his contract isn’t claimed on waivers.
The obvious speculation is that Lazard hopes to land with the Steelers and two-time former teammate Aaron Rodgers. That could prompt a competitor (like, you know, the Ravens) to claim Lazard in order to prevent Pittsburgh from getting him.
Of course, that would require the Ravens to devote a spot on the 53-man roster to Lazard, which would in turn necessitate a corresponding roster move. Unless there’s someone the Ravens can place on injured reserve or are otherwise willing to waive, there wouldn’t be a spot for Lazard. Still, if they want to keep the team they’ll quite possibly face in 18 days (or 17, if the game is moved to Saturday night) for the AFC North title, they’ll at least consider finding a way to make room for Lazard.
If Lazard clears waivers, he’ll be able to sign with any other team’s roster or practice squad. And it will open the door to a double dip, with $291,667 from the Jets and whatever he gets from the Steelers or wherever he may land.
