Ravens Quarterback a Surprise Absence at Friday Practice

The Baltimore Ravens are 6-3 and in the driver's seat in the AFC North, but they hit a concerning speedbump at Friday's practice. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was absent for today's session with an illness, but head coach John Harbaugh assured reporters the 2019 MVP would be ready for Week 11's matchup with the Panthers.

Lamar Jackson missed Friday’s practice due to illness. John Harbaugh said Jackson will start Sunday against the Panthers. pic.twitter.com/oRCOMUvS1Q
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 18, 2022

Jackson has led the Ravens to a fourth overall ranking in points scored this season despite untimely absences from All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews and 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman. Though Jackson's on pace for a career-low for net yards per passing attempt in a season, he remains perhaps the deadliest running quarterback of all time, rushing for 70.6 yards per game and 7.4 yards per attempt through nine games.

So long as Jackson is healthy, the Ravens should be alright against a 3-7 Carolina Panthers poised to start Baker Mayfield. Mayfield was 3-5 in his 8 starts with the Browns against the Ravens, totalling 2221 passing yards and an 83.2 passer rating against his former division rival.