On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens welcomed back quarterback Lamar Jackson to practice. However, three players had new injuries.
Jackson was kept at home on Wednesdays due to a minor illness. He is now a full participant in practice and should be cleared to play by the end this week.
On Thursday, the Injury Report included wide receiver Zay Flowers as well as Tyler Linderbaum and John Jenkins. Flowers’ neck injury is a concern but it didn’t stop him from fully practicing. Linderbaum’s knee injury was a limitation, and Jenkins was out due to illness.
Flowers and Linderbaum’s absences would be a huge loss for the Ravens offensive, especially as they prepare to face the Patriots top-10 defense. It will be crucial to keep an eye on both of them in the Friday injury report.
The Ravens injury report for Thursday is here (* indicates a change in status).
Buchanan has not been placed on injured reserve by the Ravens. This move is expected to come later this week. The team may wait to see if Higgins has recovered from his own stint on injured reserve. The rookie undrafted is still in the first of his 21 day return window, and could need more time.
Awuzie’s absence is possible after two consecutive missed practices. This would give T.J. Tampa a larger role. This year the second-year cornerback, who has played in only two games this season, has shown he can play.
Harbaugh stated that Stanley, Smith and possibly Van Noy are dealing with typical wear and tear of the late season and need some extra rest. All three players returned to action on Thursday, which bodes well for the availability of these players this weekend.
Keondre Okoye and Bateman are not likely to miss much time after their one-game absence.
Two Patriots players have been upgraded in the Patriots’ latest injury report. Christian Barmore, a defensive tackle (non injury related/other), and Christian Elliss, a linebacker (illness), both returned to the practice session after missing Wednesday. All four starters, including cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones and linebackers Harold Landry and Robert Spillane, missed their second consecutive practice. All four starters may miss Sunday’s game in Baltimore. This would be a huge boost for an offense which has struggled to beat elite defenses so far this season.