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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ruled out vs. Bears with non-COVID illness

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is inactive for their matchup on Sunday against the Chicago Bears due to a non-COVID-19 related illness.

It initially looked like his questionable designation on Saturday was a precautionary measure, as Jackson missed several practices earlier this week, but Jackson’s unspecified illness will keep him sidelined. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday, there was only a 50% chance Jackson plays.

Jackson returned to practice on Friday after missing two days due to his illness, though he was limited. He told ESPN’s Jamison Hensley that he had a cold, but that he was feeling better.

“Way better than I was a couple of days ago,” he said, via ESPN. “I’m feeling great.”

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday the "exact virus hasn't been identified yet," but it is not the flu or COVID-19.

Jackson has thrown for 2,447 yards and 14 touchdowns so far this season, and picked up another 639 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns. The 24-year-old has only missed a pair of games in his four seasons in the league, one of which happened last season after he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Backup Tyler Huntley will take his place at Soldier Field. Huntley has appeared in four games during his two seasons with the Ravens, and has gone just 8-of-16 for 54 yards through the air. The former Utah star has not started an NFL game. Trace McSorley, who was brought up from their practice squad, would then serve as Huntley’s backup.

They’ll also be without wide receive Marquise Brown — who was downgraded to out due to a thigh injury.

The Ravens have lost two of their last three headed into Sunday, including last week’s 22-10 loss at the Miami Dolphins, though they still lead the AFC North. Baltimore is listed as a -5.5 favorite on BetMGM.

Baltimores Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there's only a 50% chance Lamar Jackson plays on Sunday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service/Getty Images)