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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) congratulate each other following their game at Paycor Stadium on September 17, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Cincinnati Bengals received a big update on Wednesday as they prepare for Sunday’s AFC North showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out the start of Wednesday’s practice, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jamison Hensley.
Hensley reported that backup quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano are heating up without Jackson.
The two-time NFL MVP hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 4.
His availability for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati remains in question.
For the Bengals, the difference between tackling Jackson and Huntley could be significant.
Baltimore has played two games without its star quarterback. And with an important divisional matchup looming, Jackson’s loss Wednesday provides another reason to keep a close eye on his recovery.
Lamar Jackson is missing as the Ravens open the Bengals
Jackson’s absence comes just two days after Ravens head coach Jesse Minter suggested Wednesday could provide more clarity about the quarterback’s status.
Minter continued to describe Jackson as day-to-day during his Monday press conference.
When asked if Jackson could practice this week, Minter replied, “Potentially.”
However, the quarterback was not among the players who warmed up during Wednesday’s portion of practice followed by reporters.
That doesn’t mean Jackson will miss Sunday’s entire session or game.
The Ravens have yet to rule him out against Cincinnati, and their official practice participation report will provide more information.
Jackson’s injury appears to be holding him back more than expected. His status for Week 5 was always in doubt, but ESPN reported that there is a realistic chance for him to return in Week 6.
Now, at the start of Week 7, there are still concerns over Jackson’s status.
Bengals May Face Ravens Without Two-Time MVP
Sunday’s matchup has big implications for an AFC North race that remains wide open.
The Ravens enter the game at 4-2, while Cincinnati looks to make a statement coming off its bye week.
Jackson’s presence could have a big impact on how the matchup unfolds.
Before his injury, the Ravens quarterback completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in four appearances this season.
He also rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown.
Those numbers illustrate the challenge Jackson presents to opposing defenses.
Even if a defense contains Baltimore’s passing attack, Jackson’s ability to escape pressure can turn a seemingly successful play into a huge advantage.
Huntley has the ability to make plays with his legs, but Jackson’s combination of athleticism, experience and explosive ability make him one of the NFL’s toughest quarterbacks to defend.
Jackson’s status will be worth monitoring closely throughout the week. Huntley has proven to be a capable backup, but Lamar offers a playmaking ability that almost no one in the NFL can duplicate.
The Bengals, meanwhile, will have to prepare for either scenario. Defending Jackson presents an entirely different challenge than preparing for Huntley.
The Bengals also begin practice ahead of this key AFC North showdown on Wednesday.
Lamar’s absence from Wednesday’s practice does not give a definitive result as to whether or not he will play this Sunday.
That said, it’s a potential sign that the ankle injury is lingering, and it casts at least some doubt about his availability this week.
Henry DiGennaro Henry DiGennaro is a Heavy Sports contributor covering the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL. A Cincinnati native and lifelong Bengals fan, he previously covered the team for FanSided’s Stripe Hype. He graduated magna cum laude from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Marketing. More about Henry DiGennaro