Lamar Jackson didn't practice Wednesday as the Ravens kicked 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. Head Coach John Harbaugh said they're taking it day-to-day with Jackson and the many other injured Ravens.
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. He has a 9-5 career record as a starter.
Jackson's injury is hardly the only one to watch this week, as eight Ravens didn't practice 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 (hamstring)
- WR Devontez Walker (oblique)
Overall, the Ravens have 14 players on their Wednesday injury report. Safety Kyle Hamilton (groin), center Tyler Linderbaum (calf), and defensive end Brent Urban (finger) were new additions as limited participants.
Harbaugh said they're taking it day-to-day with all the players and that some will return throughout the week.
"We'll get as many guys back as we can, but we're also preparing for not having some guys back," Harbaugh said. "We'll be ready to go and play our best game of the year."
The list includes the Ravens' top three cornerbacks: Humphrey, Wiggins, and Awuzie.
If the Ravens are short-handed against the Texans, Jaire Alexander could see his first game action since Week 1 and T.J. Tampa would get more snaps. Undrafted rookie Keyon Martin could step in for Humphrey in the slot. 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) both practiced Wednesday, though they were both still limited. Van Noy has missed the past two games and Jones couldn't suit up to face the Chiefs.
"Both of them are dogs, and it's going to be great to have them back out there," outside linebacker Tavius Robinson said. "But again, I trust everyone on this team, whether it's them or anyone else."
