Optimism that Lamar Jackson will return for the postseason is dwindling.
Jackson was not seen at practice on Wednesday, per local reporters in Baltimore, a further indication of the unlikelihood that he will be available for Sunday night's Super Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"I don't have anything to add on that. No updates at this time," coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday after practice of Jackson's status.
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday morning that Jackson, dealing with a PCL injury, faces an uphill battle to play this weekend, per sources informed of the situation.
"Not looking good for Lamar Jackson," Rapoport said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. "Which is a bit of a surprise if you look back. Dec. 4 was the last time he played, battling a PCL sprain. There were so many people involved who thought if Lamar is not going to play in the regular season, he will surely be ready in the playoffs. However, from my understanding this is something sources have said over the course of the past 24 hours is that Lamar Jackson faces an uphill battle to be able to get out on the field in the playoffs against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"He is working, he is trying, he is rehabbing. The knee is just not quite right. Now, this has been shrouded in some secrecy, so there's always a chance. Anything happens with Lamar Jackson, but I would be surprised base on what I know if he practices today, which means we can see Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley for the Baltimore Ravens."
Jackson, who hasn't practiced since injuring his knee in Week 13, has tried to get some work in on his injured knee but hasn't felt right at this point, Garafolo added.
If Jackson can't return, Tyler Huntley could start under center against Cincy. Huntley missed the Ravens' Week 18 game due to shoulder and wrist injuries, possibly out of precaution to ensure he was healthier for the postseason. Huntley, however, did not attempt a pass during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, according to ESPN.com.
"He's doing a lot better" Harbaugh said of Huntley. "He was out there at practice today and took a bunch of plays. He had a good day today. I'd say he's on schedule hopefully, and we'll see how it goes."
Undrafted rookie Anthony Brown made the start in Sunday's 27-16 loss to the Bengals.
The Ravens' offense has struggled sans Jackson, averaging 12.5 points per game the past five contests, second-fewest in the NFL behind the Jets (11.0 PPG) in Weeks 13-18, 17 points fewer than Weeks 1-12.
Baltimore's 75 points over their last six regular-season games are the second-fewest points scored in the final six weeks of any team that made the playoffs in the Super Bowl era, per NFL Research.
