The leading candidate for NFL Most Valuable Player has missed a second straight day of practice.
Lamar Jackson (back/knee) did not participate in Thursday's session, offensive coordinator Todd Monken confirmed.
"I mean, it is what it is," Monken told reporters. " can use the work. That's what you do. You get prepared for it, like any other position."
Ravens coach John Harbaugh downplayed the matter Wednesday, attributing Jackson's absence to a rest day.
“He’s been playing great, and we have a lot of football in front of us," Harbaugh said. "We have a game, a quick game and another big game coming up, so that was warranted today.”
After their 29-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens embarked on the typical weeklong schedule between games. However, after their Sunday meeting with Denver, the Ravens host the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, meaning they'll play two games in five days.
If Jackson is hurting at all, the Ravens likely know it's best to give him the rest he needs to recuperate. There's no use in trotting him out on the practice field to rep plays when he's most valuable on game day.
If Jackson was unable to play in either game, the veteran journeyman Johnson is available as his backup.