Ravens coach John Harbaugh ‘looking forward’ to seeing QB Lamar Jackson’s progress this week as crucial date with Rams looms

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he’s “looking forward” to seeing Lamar Jackson’s progress this week as the team’s starting quarterback attempts to get ready for a crucial matchup Sunday with the Los Angeles Rams.

Harbaugh did not say when Jackson might return to practice; he has not been on the field since he injured his ankle in the second quarter of the team’s Week 14 loss in Cleveland and did not travel to Cincinnati for the Ravens’ 41-21 loss to the Bengals.

“We’ll see as we get to Wednesday where we’re at with that,” Harbaugh said. He added that he’s hopeful backup Tyler Huntley will return from the reserve/COVID-19 list after missing the Bengals game.

He praised third-string quarterback Josh Johnson for doing a “great job” as the short-notice starter in Cincinnati. Johnson completed 28 of 40 passes for 304 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his first NFL start since 2018.

“He’s been here for a little more than a week,” Harbaugh said. “To play the way he played and understand the offense, just to get us out of the huddle, get us lined up, was an accomplishment. To get the cadence called was an accomplishment. That’s not easy; that’s really challenging, especially in an environment like that, a playoff environment.”

He said he expects all three quarterbacks to prepare for Sunday’s game, which could determine whether the Ravens remain a viable playoff contender. If they win their final two, at home against the Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers, their chances of reaching the postseason would rise from 36% currently to 89%, according to FiveThirtyEight.com.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3px2BEL