The Baltimore Ravens are at a tipping point in their season. As they return from their Bye Week, they face questions about their stud QB, Lamar Jackson. Jackson sat the last two games with a hamstring injury. He was injured in the second quarter on a hit to the sideline against the Chiefs when his team lost 37-20. With just days to go until their season opener with the Chicago Bears, it is uncertain when he will make his return.
Ravens wide receiver and first-round pick Zay Flowers said he talks to Jackson every day. He says that he does not have the best view into the quarterback’s recovery schedule.
“I don’t really know the situation, if I’m being honest,” – Zay Flowers
The Ravens are in dire straits as they tie the second worst start in franchise history. Now in its 30th year, that team currently has a 4-12 record when Jackson is absent. This is the period of time over which the offense has struggled the most. They’ve averaged just 15.4 points per game and scored a paltry 13 points in the two contests since losing Jackson. Since 2018, Jackson has led the Ravens to a cool 74-32 overall record or .698 win percentage. When he’s cracking the starting lineup, he averages an electrifying 28.1 points per game.
Head coach John Harbaugh has been deliberately vague about Jackson’s status but has conveyed hope that he’ll be back. When pressed on if Jackson was participating in practice, Harbaugh declined to comment. He did promise that none of the players – Jackson included – are slacking in their rehab exit.
“I think all the guys are working really hard to get back, I can tell you that,” – John Harbaugh
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and middle linebacker Roquan Smith were both back at practice this week, lifting the spirits of the entire squad. Yet even with those additions, Jackson’s absence looms over any optimism for a midseason turnaround. Even Ravens defensive player Marlon Humphrey noted the team’s deep-level commitment. He said that they all have faith in each other’s faith to get through hard times together.
“Everybody in our room is definitely still on the mindset that we still can do it and I believe we can,” – Marlon Humphrey
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