Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson’s absence from a practice session has been explained.
It had previously sparked injury concern as he was absent from Wednesday’s practice, with multiple reporters noting the reigning MVP was not present for the part of the session open to the media. Josh Johnson, a veteran player who has made two Ravens appearances this season, took Jackson’s place.
Jackson has been a Ravens mainstay since he was a first-round pick for the franchise in 2018, and has gone on to become a two-time NFL MVP in the 2019 and 2023 seasons. So far this season he has passed 2,099 yards for 17 touchdowns with the Ravens going 5-3.
Odell Beckham Jr. speaks his mind after horrid start to Miami Dolphins season
Pat McAfee brutally hangs up on Adam Schefter during live show: ‘I’m done with him!’
Sitting second in the AFC North, behind Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens have critical games coming up on November 3 against Denver Broncos and November 7 against Cincinnati Bengals. Despite his absence from practice, it appears they’ll compete in those games with Jackson, rather than without him.
After practice had finished, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh quickly allayed fears of a lengthy layoff, by telling reporters that he simply had a “rest day.” Harbaugh said that, with so many games coming up where wins are crucial, the management team made a strategic decision to rest him for Wednesday, so that his rest, recuperation, and ability to continue firing on all cylinders was as optimized as possible.
“Hes been playing great,” Harbaugh said. “We got a lot of football in front of us here. We got a game, quick game, another big game coming up. So, that was warranted today.”
In broader Ravens injury news, cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins returned to training as both were at Wednesday’s practice, per NBC. There was also room for Diontae Johnson, the wide receiver the Ravens brought in after a short spell at Carolina Panthers, and four year stint at the Steelers. ESPN, meanwhile, reported Wednesday that defensive tackle Michael Pierce had been placed on injury reserve.
Jackson’s presence in the upcoming matches is no doubt a boost for the Ravens as he was not only the best player last season, in the best team, but he has continued to excel this season, even though the Ravens have not replicated their conquering form.
Despite this, Jackons remains on a shortlist of potential candidates to win the MVP award which, if successful, he would win the achievement in back-to-back seasons. His rivals for MVP this season include Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Kansas City superstar Patrick Mahomes.
Leave a Reply