Jackson misses 2nd straight practice with illness

Wide receiver Brown also out from another workout

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his second straight practice Thursday, as an illness unrelated to the coronavirus continued to sideline the team’s most important player.

Jackson, who was sent home from the team facility Wednesday morning, could return to practice Friday for the Ravens’ final on-field workout before Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said before practice Thursday that Jackson was feeling better.

Jackson also missed the Ravens’ first two practices before their Week 4 trip to Denver. But he recovered from back soreness to participate fully in their Friday practice, then went 22-for-37 for 316 yards and a touchdown in the 23-7 win over the Broncos.

Jackson also sat out one practice before wins in Week 3 and Week 6 over the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively, while recovering from an illness.

Center Bradley Bozeman, who missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness before returning Thursday, said Jackson’s absence is not “that big of a deal.”

“I know Lamar, he’s doing his things at home he needs to do,” he said. “He’s watching plays. He’s getting everything right at home. When he comes back in, he’s not going to miss a step. I mean, he’s done it week in and week out. He’s continued to build on that, continued to step up to the plate when he needs to. So I don’t see that being an issue.”

The Ravens were also without two of Jackson’s top targets at Thursday’s practice. Wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (thigh) missed his second straight workout, while rookie wide receiver Rashod Bateman was absent with an illness.

Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva (rest), defensive tackle Brandon Williams (shoulder) and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee) also did not practice. Cornerbacks Tavon Young (foot) and Jimmy Smith (hip) were limited participants after missing Wednesday’s practice.

Right tackle Patrick Mekari and running back Latavius Murray both remain limited with ankle injuries.