Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson saw his chances of playing in Sunday's key divisional game against the Cincinnati Bengals decrease when he missed practice again on Thursday.
Former NFL MVP Jackson missed the Ravens' 31-30 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 15 due to an ankle injury that he sustained in the December 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Jackson did not practice at all last week before missing the Packers' game, having been carted off against the Browns.
And it is backup Tyler Huntley who is taking first-team reps again this week, with offensive coordinator Greg Roman acknowledging the missed practice time for Jackson was becoming a concern.
Baltimore, who have lost three games in a row, are second in the AFC North behind the Bengals as both teams hold 8-6 records with three regular-season games remaining.
"We're taking it day-to-day," Roman told reporters about Jackson.
"I'm not sure of the availability at this moment but I think it does become a concern for any player when they miss time.
"You really want them out there working on their craft, but these things happen. It is a fact of life in the NFL and you have to work through them.
"Before the Denver game, he missed Wednesday and Thursday, and I thought he played a great game. So, he has the capability to do that. We have all the confidence in him and Tyler."
Roman added he was preparing a flexible gameplan in case Jackson is able to play in a more limited capacity than usual.
"If he can't move very well, then we'll certainly lean on other things than trying to have him move too much," the OC said.
Jackson has thrown for 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns this season along with a career-high 13 interceptions. The 24-year-old has also rushed for two scores – the lowest of his career – on 133 carries in 2021.
The Ravens have won five of their seven meetings with the Bengals since 2018, although they were crushed 41-17 by their rivals in Week 7 this year.
Each of the Ravens' three consecutive losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Browns and Packers have come by either one or two points.
Per Stats Perform data, only two other teams in NFL history have lost three consecutive games by two points or less - the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002 and the Chicago Cardinals in 1932.