Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback and two-time NFL MVP, missed practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. This marks the second consecutive week he has been absent from practice, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming games. Last week, Jackson sat out with knee soreness but returned to practice and played in a victorious match against the Cleveland Browns, which ended with a score of 23-16.
Coaching Insights on Jackson’s Status
When asked if this week’s absence mirrors last week’s situation, Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirmed, “Yeah, same type of situation.” He added that Jackson’s health is paramount, stating, “I know it’s Lamar, it’s our quarterback. I understand how important it is, and it wasn’t in his best interest to practice today. We’ll see where we’re at.”
This season has not been easy for Jackson. He has faced increased pressure on the field, averaging 3.2 sacks per game, the highest of his eight-year career. In the recent game against the Browns, he was sacked five times, four of which came from defensive standout Myles Garrett.
Challenges on the Field
Jackson’s performance has also been impacted by injuries, having missed three games earlier in the season due to a hamstring issue. In total, he has missed eight practices this season. He is currently trying to break out of a two-game slump, completing just 57.4% of his passes for an average of 184.5 yards. In his latest outing, he did not throw any touchdown passes and recorded two interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 47.6, one of the lowest of his career.
Despite these struggles, Harbaugh emphasized Jackson’s ability to lead the team effectively. “Lamar is winning games,” he said. “Finding ways to win the game — that’s what counts; that’s what matters. I think Lamar did a great job in both of those games of playing that kind of winning football.”
As the Ravens prepare for their next match, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Jackson’s health and performance. His ability to return to form will be crucial for the team’s playoff aspirations as the season progresses.
