Lamar Jackson is not on the practice field Wednesday as the Ravens kick off preparations to face the Houston Texans Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jackson is dealing with a hamstring injury that could reportedly sideline him for 2-3 weeks, per The Baltimore Sun.
If Jackson can't play, Cooper Rush would get the start. The veteran started eight games last year for the Dallas Cowboys and went 4-4 with 12 touchdowns to five interceptions.
Jackson's injury is hardly the only one to watch this week, as eight Ravens are not practicing on Wednesday:
- QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring)
- LB Roquan Smith (hamstring)
- CB Marlon Humphrey (calf)
- CB Nate Wiggins (elbow)
- LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle)
- FB Patrick Ricard (calf)
- CB Chidobe Awuzie
- WR Devontez Walker
The list includes the Ravens' top three cornerbacks: Humphrey, Wiggins, and Awuzie. Awuzie played a season-high 92% of the defensive snaps in Kansas City.
If the Ravens are short-handed against the Texans, Jaire Alexander could see his first game action since Week 1. Undrafted rookie Keyon Martin could step in for Humphrey in the slot and T.J. Tampa would see snaps outside. Baltimore also signed veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye, who has 40 career starts, to the practice squad Wednesday.
Stanley missed most of last week's practices before returning for limited work on Friday. He started in Kansas City but left the game in the first half and was replaced by veteran Joe Noteboom.
Without Smith, the Ravens could turn to Jake Hummel, who is also one of their special teams leaders, or Trenton Simpson. Veteran inside linebacker Eric Kendricks reportedly visited the Ravens but declined to join the practice squad.
In good news, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) and defensive tackle Travis Jones (knee) are both practicing Wednesday and seem to be ramping up to return to action. Van Noy has missed the past two games and Jones couldn't suit up to face the Chiefs.
