The Ravens have been investigated by the NFL for how they managed information around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s practice participation. Jackson, the team’s starting quarterback since 2018, was under the microscope after missing practice completely before being ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. He missed all starter reps with a right hamstring injury.
At first, the Ravens announced that Jackson was a full participant in Friday’s practice. Then they changed the statement to say. It now specifies that he had run with the scout team and hadn’t taken part in the team drills set aside for starters. This difference has led to allegations that the team violated league policy. NFL injury report rules require that any player who goes through individual drills should be listed as at least a “limited participant.” This is true even if they do not participate in traditional workouts.
“Lamar Jackson was present for and participated fully in our entire Friday practice. … Upon further evaluation today and after conferring with the league office, because Lamar didn’t take any starter reps in practice, we updated our report to reflect his practice participation.” – Ravens
Besides the Eagles, Jackson’s absence has had the most impact on the Ravens’ betting line. They’ve fallen all the way from a 6.5-point favorite down to just a 1.5-point fave against underdog Chicago. The Ravens are miserable without their superstar quarterback. They’ve dropped their last four games during his absence and have a desultory record of 1-5 this season when he’s unavailable. Since 2018, when Jackson misses games, the team flounders, having posted a ghastly 4-12 mark in his absence.
Further, in Jackson’s five seasons under contract with the Ravens, the organization has built an impressive 74-32 record (including playoffs) under his leadership. Their backup QB Tyler Huntley has gone 2-1 in Jackson’s absence. That’s where he’s performed worst, going 3-7 as a fill-in starter.
As such the Ravens are subject to disciplinary action from the NFL over their vehement lies about Jackson’s status, which likely falls under the league’s injury report policy. That needs to be the bottom line, no Brian McCarthy, league spokesperson, there, saying they would investigate this issue further.
“The league will look into this,” – Brian McCarthy
Though he will sit out this week’s game, Jackson is likely to be back in time for next Thursday night’s home game against Miami. His presence is vital for the Ravens, who lean on his one-of-a-kind talents and leadership in the field.
Leave a Reply