Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson faces an “uphill battle” to play in Sunday’s AFC wild-card game at Cincinnati, NFL Network reported Wednesday.
Undrafted rookie quarterback Anthony Brown, however, was considered a full participant for the Ravens in Wednesday’s practice.
Multiple reports indicate Jackson is limited by swelling, which impacts his lateral mobility and straight-line speed.
Jackson is “working, rehabbing” to get himself ready to face the Bengals in the Sunday night playoff game, NFL Network reported. But Jackson’s injured knee is “not quite right.”
Baltimore has been without Jackson since Dec. 4 due to a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Jackson, 26, has not been available for football activities, including on-field practices, since the injury. The typical recovery time for the injury is four to six weeks.
“I don’t really have an update,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday of Jackson’s status.
That could change later Wednesday, when the Ravens issue their first practice participation report of the postseason.
Tyler Huntley stepped in for Jackson in the first quarter of the Dec. 4 game against the Denver Broncos and likely would get the call against the Bengals on Sunday. But Huntley has played through his own injuries, including shoulder soreness and a wrist issue.
Brown completed 22 of 49 passes for 302 yards with two interceptions in limited action this season. Brown was sacked five times.
The Ravens beat the Broncos, 10-9, in their Week 13 game and haven’t cleared 17 points since losing Jackson.
Baltimore dropped the regular-season finale to the Bengals, 27-16, and has lost three of the past four entering the playoffs. The Ravens beat the Bengals, 19-17, on Oct. 9.