Lamar Jackson Sits Out Wednesday Practice Ahead of Ravens-Browns Rematch

The Baltimore Ravens are aiming to reach .500 as they prepare for their Week 11 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Despite holding a losing record, the team remains in contention for the AFC North title, demonstrating resilience behind both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley at quarterback.

Jackson returned to the starting lineup last week and led Baltimore to a victory over the Minnesota Vikings, marking his 100th career start. Prior to his return, Huntley had guided the Ravens to a win over the Chicago Bears, giving the team a two-game winning streak heading into Sunday’s contest.

Following a physically demanding game against Minnesota, Jackson did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. While the absence may be precautionary, the move underscores the Ravens’ focus on ensuring their star quarterback is fully healthy before facing a familiar and formidable opponent.

Baltimore’s coaching staff and medical team are expected to release the full injury report later on Wednesday, which will provide clarity on Jackson’s status for the Browns game and whether he will be limited or ready to go.

1. Caution After a Physical Game

Jackson absorbed significant contact in the victory over the Vikings, including several hard hits in the second half. Head coach John Harbaugh praised Jackson’s performance but emphasized the importance of player health as the team prepares for a critical divisional matchup. The Ravens’ first meeting with the Browns this season resulted in a 41-point outburst, but the game remained close until the second half. Facing Cleveland’s elite defensive front, led by Myles Garrett, Baltimore is prioritizing the protection of Jackson to avoid any setbacks. Sitting out Wednesday’s practice allows Jackson extra recovery time while giving the coaching staff the opportunity to evaluate his condition ahead of Sunday. The team has shown a willingness to manage their quarterback carefully, especially given the physical nature of the games against divisional rivals. Ensuring Jackson is fully prepared will be key to sustaining Baltimore’s momentum, as the offense relies heavily on his dynamic playmaking ability. A cautious approach now could pay dividends in maintaining his performance and availability later in the season.

2. Ravens’ Depth and Offensive Adjustments

Baltimore’s offense has shown resilience even when Jackson has been limited, highlighting the importance of depth at the skill positions. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has demonstrated the ability to manage games effectively, as seen in the win over the Chicago Bears, providing confidence that the offense can adapt if Jackson is restricted. The running back and wide receiver units are also key to maintaining offensive balance, with Chris Olave, Rashod Bateman, and J.K. Dobbins able to create space and sustain drives. Play-calling may adjust to emphasize quicker passes, screen plays, and misdirection to protect Jackson while keeping the Browns defense off-balance. Tight ends and slot receivers may see increased usage to provide additional passing options and ensure the quarterback can operate without taking unnecessary hits. Coaches will likely monitor Jackson’s workload throughout the week and tweak practice reps to optimize health and timing. The Ravens’ ability to rotate personnel and utilize situational packages gives them flexibility, ensuring that Jackson’s rest does not compromise game-planning while still allowing him to be ready for key plays in the upcoming divisional showdown.

3. Looking Ahead to Cleveland

The Browns remain a challenging opponent, with a defense capable of pressuring quarterbacks and limiting explosive plays. Baltimore’s coaching staff will need to balance protecting Jackson while still leveraging his skill set to keep the offense productive. Even if Jackson is limited in practice, the Ravens have shown confidence in their offensive system, which allows for adjustments in real-time based on the quarterback’s condition. Backup options and situational packages remain in place to ensure continuity. Myles Garrett and the Browns’ defensive line will test Baltimore’s offensive line and Jackson’s decision-making, making preparation and rest crucial. The Ravens aim to avoid turnovers and sustain drives to control the tempo against one of the league’s more aggressive defenses. How Jackson responds physically and mentally after sitting out practice will influence game planning for Sunday, as the Ravens hope to build on their recent momentum and continue competing for the division crown.