Ravens CB Humphrey displeased with 'slander' against QB Jackson

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey took exception to the way quarterback Lamar Jackson has been discussed in the media, telling reporters on Thursday that Jackson is subjected to an unfair level of criticism.

Humphrey went on a tangent after being asked how Jackson looked at practice. "It seems like Lamar's the only quarterback [who] kind of gets the slander that he gets for anytime anything," Humphrey said.

The veteran defensive back was asked whether he was referring to criticism surrounding Jackson's injury, but he declined to clarify. When pressed again on what exactly he meant, Humphrey replied: "Whatever I said is whatever I said."

Jackson, who sprained his ankle 18 days ago, returned to the practice field and moved around well during Thursday's session, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. His status for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals remains unclear, but a return would be timely: Jackson is 11-2 in his career against the Bengals, having thrown 24 touchdown passes against them.

Humphrey's defense of his quarterback comes as the Ravens navigate a difficult stretch, and his comments underscore the bond between the defense and Jackson, the face of the franchise.

If Jackson suits up on Sunday, Baltimore will welcome back its most important player at a moment when the team can ill afford another setback.