Ravens hopeful Jackson will return for wild-card game

Star quarterback Lamar Jackson will miss his fifth straight game due to injury when the Baltimore Ravens face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Head coach John Harbaugh remains "hopeful" that Jackson could be available next week during the wild-card round.

"There really are no updates," Harbaugh told reporters Friday, per the Baltimore Banner's Jonas Shaffer. He added, "When we have an update, definitely you'll have it. But injuries are so hard to predict."

Jackson was initially expected to miss a few weeks after sustaining a knee injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. However, concern has grown as Jackson remains unable to practice a week before postseason action.

"The truth is we really don't know," Harbaugh said. "Everyone is working as hard as they can. Lamar is working as hard as he can, the trainers are working as hard as they can. Can't wait for him to get back."

The 2019 MVP led the Ravens to an 8-4 mark prior to being sidelined. He passed for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also added 764 rushing yards alongside three scores on the ground.

Jackson is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Ravens have the option to place the franchise tag on the dynamic signal-caller this offseason.

Baltimore has relied on Tyler Huntley in Jackson's absence. The 24-year-old has established a 2-2 record as a starter this season. Huntley, who has been limited with shoulder and wrist ailments, is optimistic that he'll be able to play Sunday against the Bengals.

The Ravens won't have the opportunity to play for the AFC North title after the Bengals' Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills was declared a no-contest. However, the Ravens can still earn a home playoff game if they defeat the Bengals, the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos, and then Baltimore wins a coin toss.