The Baltimore Ravens prepare for their most important match of the season against divisional rivals Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, uncertainty continues to surround the status of quarterback Lamar Jackson. It’s an especially difficult spot for the Ravens at the moment. Jackson, meanwhile, has hit a rough patch, with three straight games without a single touchdown throw.
This week’s game will be the fourth consecutive week that Jackson has missed at least one practice. He was only a limited participant on Wednesday and then missed practice altogether on Thursday. This begs the question of his preparedness only three days ahead of the big game against the Ravens for the division’s top spot. The Baltimore Ravens have struggled mightily in the absence of their star quarterback. Since 2018, they have a dismal 5-12 record when Jackson isn’t under center.
If Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley would step in as Baltimore’s starting quarterback. Huntley has a good amount of experience stepping into the fold when Jackson isn’t available. That said, the team clearly would rather have their franchise player healthy and ready to compete.
Jackson’s recent performance has drawn scrutiny. In his most recent outing versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving evening, he floundered mightily. He was responsible for a season-high three turnovers while completing only 53.1 percent of his pass attempts in the process of losing 32-14. That is certainly a scary slump for him this year. On top of that, he’s battling with one of the longest injury lists in recent memory with issues to his hamstring, knee, toe and ankle.
Even with these attempts Jackson and the offense have faced so far, Ravens officials and players are confident in Jackson’s talents.
“He is Lamar Jackson. He is that great of a player.” – Ravens Head Coach
As the Ravens prepare for their matchup against the Steelers, the focus remains on Jackson’s condition and the possibility of his return to form. His health might be the key factor for this one. Beyond just this game, it will affect the rest of the season as Baltimore tussles with multiple teams for playoff positioning.
“I just give him a lot of credit – he’s battling each week trying to get healthy enough to be able to play every Sunday.” – Teammate
As the Ravens prepare for their matchup against the Steelers, the focus remains on Jackson’s condition and the possibility of his return to form. His health could prove crucial not only for this game but also for the remainder of the season as Baltimore vies for playoff positioning.
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