For a second straight day, Lamar Jackson will watch the Ravens‘ practice instead of participating. Baltimore’s starting quarterback is dealing with a back injury. An illness sidelined Jackson for last Thursday’s practice prior to Baltimore’s Week 3 win over the Lions. Jackson did not appear in Baltimore’s first two regular season injury reports.
It appears that Jackson’s absence is more of a precautionary measure. Jackson is not expected to miss Sunday’s game against the undefeated Broncos. Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman categorized Jackson’s injury as “a little back flare-up.”
“I don’t think it’s anything serious,” Roman said, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “But we’re just going to have to kind of wait and see. I think he’s going to be in good shape. We’ll wait and see.”
With J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill out with season-ending injuries, Jackson has been used a considerable amount in the running game while helping keep Baltimore No. 1 in the NFL in rushing. Jackson leads the Ravens with 251 yards and two touchdowns while averaging a league-best 7.2 yards-per-carry. Ty’Son Williams is second on the team with 164 yards while averaging 6.1 yards-per-carry. Veterans Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman have combined to run for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.
How much Jackson’s back ailment will impact his running will be something to monitor during Sunday’s game. The Ravens’ offense will have their hands full against a Broncos defense that is currently first in the NFL in points allowed, second in rushing yards allowed, and first in red zone efficiency. Von Miller is back to being his dominant self after missing the entire 2020 season with an injury. Miler has four of the Broncos’ eight sacks through three games.
The Broncos are a 1-point favorite, according to Caesars Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 45 points. The Ravens lead the all-time series, 8-6.
