Lamar Jackson playing this week for Ravens depends if Week 12 omen follows the injury history

Billy Heyen

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The Baltimore Ravens have what appears to be a simple matchup on paper in Week 12.

They host the lowly New York Jets.

But the more important narrative midway through the week is Lamar Jackson's health.

For the second week in a row, Jackson sat out Wednesday's practice. And there's a problem, too.

Last week, it was knee soreness that Jackson had before returning to practice Thursday and Friday and then playing in Sunday's win.

This week, Jackson is listed as having an ankle injury for the reason he didn't practice.

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Is Lamar Jackson playing this week?

Because the injury this week is different than last week, there is more of a question as to whether Jackson will play in Week 12 against the Jets.

Ravens fans will be hoping he returns to practice Thursday and Friday as he did a week ago. If that happens, Jackson's status won't be in doubt.

But if Jackson happens to miss another practice? That'll raise the alarm bells a bit.

The Ravens have a reliable backup in Tyler Huntley, and he likely can get them past the Jets and their new starter, Tyrod Taylor.

But in the both short and long term, the Ravens certainly would feel better if Jackson was simply on the field in Week 12.