The Charm City can take a collective sigh of relief.
Lamar Jackson returned to practice Friday and said he is good to go for the Baltimore Ravens' Sunday tilt against the Denver Broncos.
"Yeah, 100 percent," Jackson told reporters when asked if he'll be ready to play. "That wasn't in doubt. Just resting the body, you know. It's a long season. That's all."
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Jackson wasn't practicing simply due to a rest day. However, Jackson was listed on the injury report the same day as a non-participant with back and knee injuries. He was a DNP once more on Thursday, raising concern. On Friday, though, Jackson was back at practice and is now set to lead his Baltimore squad onto the field in Week 9.
Jackson is having another stellar season, as the reigning AP NFL Most Valuable Player has thrown for 2,099 yards, 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions, while adding two rushing scores and an NFL-high 501 QB rushing yards.
As noted by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Thursday, Jackson getting rest to deal with nagging ailments might well be a sign of things to come as Harbaugh and the Ravens look to preserve their franchise quarterback.
Harbaugh implied as much Friday, telling reporters he'd consider sitting Jackson during practices down the stretch.
"You want players to be at their best on Sunday," the Ravens coach said.
A situation worth monitoring through the week will likely be worth monitoring in Sunday's game, as well. However, Jackson is good to go as he and the Ravens aim to rebound from a stunning 29-23 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.
The Ravens (5-3) kick off against the visiting Broncos (5-3) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
