Lamar Jackson likely out for Ravens-Bengals Wild Card game

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is out of practice for the 17th time in a row, but Tyler Huntley took some steps in the right direction.

The Baltimore Ravens are facing an injury crisis at quarterback ahead of the Wild Card Round matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The postseason will get underway this weekend, and while the Ravens haven't officially ruled Lamar Jackson out for their playoff opener against the Bengals, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Jackson is not expected to play on Sunday night.

“Lamar Jackson officially did not practice today and is not expected to play Sunday night vs. Bengals; Tyler Huntley resumed throwing today and was listed as a limited participant at practice.”

Thursday marked 17 consecutive absences for the QB from practice, while backup Tyler Huntley took a step in the right direction.

Lamar Jackson (knee) missed his 17th straight practice for Ravens.

But Tyler Huntley (right shoulder) resumed throwing after not doing so yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ubdHcZsWUG

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 12, 2023

Jackson was once again not on the field with his Ravens teammates on Thursday, but Huntley, who did not throw during Wednesday's practice, was seen taking part in drills and had resumed throwing the ball.

Huntley, who is listed as the Ravens' second-string quarterback, is battling a slew of injuries, including shoulder tendinitis and as well as an ailment in his wrist. Despite the multiple injuries, Huntley took an important step in the right direction ahead of Sunday's clash.

Jackson, who hasn't practiced in over one month, is dealing with a lingering knee injury and it's unclear when he'll be back. The team had been hoping he'd be ready to suit up in the playoff opener, but while his game status is currently still listed as unspecified, it doesn't appear he'll be active.

If Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are both unavailable, the Ravens will once again deploy Anthony Brown, who struggled in his first NFL start during Week 18, also vs. the Bengals. He was intercepted twice and completed less than 45 percent of his pass attempts in the game, while not throwing a touchdown pass.

Hopefully, the update on Huntley will clear the path for the Ravens' backup to return against the Bengals, but the team has not yet revealed its QB plans.