Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed practice on Wednesday, giving his team a major scare ahead of Sunday’s game against Denver Broncos.
Josh Johnson led the team in practice on Wednesday. It is unclear precisely what the issue is for Jackson but there were reports of a groin issue hindering him in last weekend’s surprise 29-24 loss to Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens are 5-3 after that defeat to their divisional rivals but have been underlined by many as contenders for the Super Bowl, thanks in no small part to Jackson’s form this season.
He has completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season. He has also rushed for 501 yards with two TDs.
Last season, the Ravens lost the AFC Championship game to eventual Super Bowl winners Kansas City Chiefs.
But this season, with Jackson boosted by the arrival of running back Derrick Henry, the Ravens have been many people’s pick to go all the way this time around.
Speaking after Sundays loss, Jackson said: ‘This is the NFL. Any given Sunday a team can be good. We just got to play better all around.
‘We didn’t make the plays. We didn’t make the calls to win the game, left a lot of opportunities out there.’
In other more encouraging news for the Ravens, it was a first practice for new Diontae Johnson after Baltimore traded for him from Carolina Panthers.
Now, coach John Harbaugh just needs him to be able to practice with his No 1 quarterback.