Lamar Jackson Ruled Out vs. Browns; Huntley to Start, Hendrickson Returns
Quarterback Lamar Jackson will not play Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Cleveland Browns, Minter announced Friday, marking Jackson’s second consecutive absence with an ankle injury. Jackson has not practiced since sustaining the ankle issue 12 days ago. Minter said the decision was made with Jackson’s long-term health in mind and described the situation as day by day. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will start his second straight game after leading the Ravens to a comeback overtime win in Atlanta and has won his last three starts dating to last season.
The Ravens also ruled out rookie tight end Matt Hibner (hand) and defensive tackle Broderick Washington Jr. (ankle). Center Cam Jurgens, who has not had a full practice since being traded to Baltimore nine days ago, is sidelined with a concussion and remained in a red non-contact jersey on Friday. Rookie Vega Ioane is expected to start at center in Jurgens’ absence. Guards Andrew Vorhees (foot) and Emery Jones Jr. (ankle) were limited in practice this week and are listed as questionable.
Veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson practiced fully all week and has no designation for Sunday, signaling he will return after having his finger surgically repaired a couple weeks ago. It remained unclear whether Hendrickson will wear a protective guard on his hand. Minter said the path the club took with Hendrickson was in his best interest both short- and long-term. Hendrickson’s availability is timely as the Browns surrendered eight sacks last week and Deshaun Watson has been sacked a league-high 19 times.
The Ravens could be at full strength at wide receiver with Zay Flowers (toe) and Rashod Bateman (shoulder) listed without injury designations after practicing this week. Rookie Ja’Kobi Lane, who suffered a wrist injury in Week 1 in Indianapolis Professional Football Team, had three full practices and is listed as questionable; he would have to be activated from injured reserve to play. With Durham Smythe lost for the season to an Achilles injury and Hibner ruled out, fellow rookie Josh Cuevas is likely to see an expanded role at tight end. Per Minter, Hibner is not a candidate to be placed on injured reserve.
The Browns returned several key players to limited practice Friday, including defensive tackle Mason Graham (knee/ankle), who leads the team with four sacks, inside linebacker Carson Schwesinger (ankle) and running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle); Schwesinger was last year’s AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Veteran defensive end Derek Barnett (ankle) was also limited in Friday’s session. Cleveland ruled out defensive tackle Mike Hall (ankle), quarterback Dillon Gabriel (back), defensive tackle Kalia Davis (quad), guard Teven Jenkins (back) and running back Dylan Sampson (knee).
NFL Sports Blog Take
With Jackson sidelined, the Ravens will lean on a hot-handed Tyler Huntley and a defense bolstered by Trey Hendrickson against a Browns offense that has struggled to protect its quarterback. Baltimore’s offensive line uncertainty, including the absence of Cam Jurgens and two guards listed as questionable, could complicate the ground game and pass protection and place more pressure on Huntley and the receivers. If Ja’Kobi Lane is activated from injured reserve, he would provide additional depth at receiver, but the tight end group remains thin after Durham Smythe’s season-ending injury and Hibner’s absence. Cleveland’s limited-practice returns introduce matchup questions, yet the Browns’ recent rush protection issues present a clear area Baltimore can exploit if the Ravens sustain pressure on Watson.