OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson defended taking a rest day heading into Sunday's critical game at the Cincinnati Bengals .

"I feel like rest is of one of the most important things when you're recovering from any injury," Jackson said Thursday.

Jackson has missed one practice in each of the past four weeks due to various injuries: knee, ankle and toe. This week, however, Jackson's missed practice Wednesday was designated as a "rest day" and "not injury related" for the first time.

After losing two straight games, the Ravens (6-7) face an essentially must-win game Sunday. A loss would drop Baltimore's playoff chances to 14%, according to ESPN Analytics.

"Anytime a player, especially when your quarterback, is not able to practice, you're talking not o

See Full Page