Harbaugh: Ravens didn’t purposely violate injury report with Lamar

BALTIMORE — After Sunday’s 30-16 victory over the Chicago Bears, coach John Harbaugh called the Baltimore Ravens’ violation of the NFL’s injury reporting policy regarding Lamar Jackson “an honest mistake.”

The Ravens could face disciplinary action from the league because they initially listed Jackson as a full participant in Friday’s practice when he only led the scout team. Baltimore then limited Jackson’s participation in practice Saturday, while ruling him out with a right hamstring injury.

“It really is an honest mistake,” Harbaugh said. “I can tell you this: No one is trying to hide anything. There is no gain from it.”

Jackson had been listed as a limited participant for practices Wednesday and Thursday. When he was promoted to full membership on Friday, it suggested the two-time NFL MVP was leaning towards playing.

After Friday’s practice, Harbaugh said Jackson had a “full practice” but did not point out that Jackson did not receive any snaps with the first-team offense.

On Sunday, Harbaugh made it clear that he was not involved in designating practice participation levels for players, saying that decision was made by athletic trainers and public relations staff.

“I think, in their defense, he practiced fully,” Harbaugh said. “I think they felt like, because he did the same number of reps [as he usually does]it was a complete workout. But when you dig down and read the rule, ultimately it wasn’t correct. So that’s what it was. “That’s why, as soon as we discovered it, we changed it.”

The NFL’s injury reporting policy states: “Participation on the scout team, no matter how extensive, by a player whose normal reps would be with the starter without his condition, would not change the player’s proper designation as ‘limited participation.’

Bears coach Ben Johnson would not say how much the Ravens’ review of Jackson’s practice participation status affected Sunday’s game.

“Like I said earlier in the week, we were preparing for Lamar,” Johnson said, “and when we found out he wasn’t playing, we were preparing for the next guy.”

Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson, completing 17 of 22 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 53 yards for Baltimore (2-5), ending a four-game losing streak.

“Obviously, they’re going to do what’s best for the team,” Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said when asked if he’s ever seen a quarterback’s practice designation change like this at the last minute. “I don’t think there’s any malice behind it. I think it’s just the way the league is.”

Bears safety Jaquan Brisker said the defense’s game plan was different for Huntley than it was for Jackson.

“But really, no excuses,” he said. “At the end of the day, we know who the quarterback was. Just play our type of defense.”

Harbaugh said he was “hopeful” that Jackson would return to play Thursday against the Dolphins in Miami.

ESPN’s Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.