Ravens notebook: Quarterback Lamar Jackson battling an illness

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains questionable for Sunday’s exhibition opener against the Chicago Bears after experiencing an illness in the past 48 hours.

Jackson (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) was battling a sickness and couldn’t participate in much of the Ravens’ Thursday night practice at M&T Bank Stadium, according to coach John Harbaugh. He returned to practice Friday, but again was sluggish and ill.

“He had a little infection that wasn’t running away, but we’re trying to put him on antibiotics and make sure it’s contained,” Harbaugh said Friday afternoon. “So we’ll see how he does.”

Jackson took a shot from teammate Maxx Williams on Thursday and walked off the field holding his arm but didn’t come out. Jackson was attended to by several players in the medical tent before eventually returning.

Michael Hurst, who is filling in for injured left tackle Ronnie Stanley, took Jackson’s reps and went 7-for-10 passing. Marshal Yanda (back), Will Davis (chest) and Terrell Suggs (Achilles) remain out with injuries.

Harbaugh said Brown cleared for Sunday night

Tight end Benjamin Watson, who has battled a bad back since the beginning of training camp, is cleared to play in Sunday’s exhibition opener against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium.

“He’s been dealing with it all camp,” Harbaugh said. “I’m not sure if he’s made it through the whole camp. You watch him go through it and say, ‘Man, that’s no wonder he’s had a tough time.’ But I’m sure that it was bothering him. He’s gone back and forth here, and he’s been able to practice, so he’s cleared now.”

Brown returns to practice

Wide receiver Chris Brown, who is rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, returned to practice Friday.

Jackson hopes to start at QB

When the Ravens signed veteran quarterback Robert Griffin III on Monday, the move was viewed as a way to possibly start Jackson at quarterback against the Bears.

Jackson acknowledged that possibility but refused to address it.

“I really don’t want to start the season out talking about it,” he said Monday. “It’s not really my business.”

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