The fascinating story between Lamar Jackson and the Ravens
NEW YORK — The biggest storyline of the NFL wild-card weekend was the status of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and his left knee.
On Thursday night, Jackson broke his silence as he announced on Twitter that he wouldn’t play in Sunday night’s wild-card game at the Bengals.
“I want to give you all an update as I am in the recovery process,” Jackson tweeted. “I’ve suffered a PCL grade 2 sprain on the borderline of a strain 3. My knee is still unstable and there is inflammation around my knee.
“I’m still in good spirits as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery. I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything, but I can’t give 100% of myself to my guys and fans I’m still hopeful we still have a chance.”
Tyler Huntley, who missed last week’s game due to a shoulder injury, is expected to start for Jackson. However, when asked on Friday, Huntley said, “It’s a game-time decision.” If Huntley is also out, rookie Anthony Brown, who finished 19 of 44 for 286 yards and two interceptions in the 27-16 loss to the Bengals last Sunday, would be in line to start for Baltimore.
It has been fascinating to watch the Jackson story over the past month and a quarter. He has missed 18 consecutive practices after injuring his knee in the Ravens’ 10-9 victory against the Broncos on Dec. 4.
After the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters that Jackson’s injury wasn’t season-ending. Later that same week, Harbaugh said Jackson’s prognosis improved as he was considered “week-to-week.”
Jackson did not play in five of the remaining regular season games. Meanwhile, Harbaugh, who was once transparent about Jackson’s injury status, has become quieter these days as he told reporters that he had no idea Jackson would tweet about his injury.
“No, I hadn’t known anything about that, haven’t paid that much attention to it,” the head coach said on Friday. “It’s not something we can comment on.
“The nature of the injury is specific and the only person who can comment on it is the person. There’s law along those lines and we are educated by the league in terms of what we are allowed to say and what we are allowed to say. So, that’s nothing I can begin to comment.”
Many have questioned if Jackson’s PCL injury is as severe as he may be letting on. He is now in the last year of his rookie contract and will receive $23 million as guaranteed.
Jackson and Baltimore tried to negotiate a new contract prior to the 2022 season. He set a Week 1 deadline for completing a deal. Jackson later rejected a $250 million contract. He then went back and forth with fans via social media.
Many reports state that Jackson was seeking a 4-year contract. However, the Ravens wanted Jackson to sign a 5-year contract. Jackson was then able to see Deshaun Watson signed by the Browns to a five year, $230 million contract fully guaranteed. This is now the standard for all quarterback deals in the league.
Clearly, the Ravens’ offense misses Jackson as they have struggled without him. Baltimore is currently at 2-3 with their star quarterback. They have averaged 12.5 points over their last five games. Only the Jets (11.0 points per game), which went without a touchdown during their final three weeks of this season, have scored less points than the Ravens in that time.
“Here’s the thing, you don’t know,” Harbaugh said. “That’s why it’s so challenging to stand here, and you get asked questions about injuries all the time and you understand it ‘cause it’s important, and you don’t always know.
“Sometimes you’re hopeful it’ll be quicker. I know I’m always hopeful that guys get back quicker, that it’s the front end of any kind of a prediction. Sometimes it goes the other way, and it’s longer, and you’re disappointed.”
It’s understandable why Jackson decided not to play when he is less than 100%. Jackson knows his value to the Ravens and, if he plays a sub-par game against the Bengals Sunday, that could be used against him in negotiations.
But by sitting out, Baltimore possibly could see why they need Jackson moving forward and maybe pay him what he’s worth as he is a two-time Pro Bowler, a former first-team All-Pro and a former MVP award winner.
The Jackson-Ravens situation seems to be heading in a couple of directions. Baltimore could franchise tag Jackson, putting him and his team in the exact same position a year later.
Jackson hasn’t been healthy the last two seasons as an ankle injury in Week 14 of the 2021 season put him out for the remainder of the season while also ending the Ravens’ playoff hopes. Following Jackson’s injury, the Ravens finished 8-9 after losing the remaining four games while he was sidelined.
Jackson’s other options include sitting out while he is franchise tagged, hoping the Ravens will eventually pay him or requesting a trade. While Baltimore may not be willing to pay him, teams like the Raiders, Jets, Panthers, Buccaneers and even the Dolphins could be in the market for Jackson’s services should he become available through free agency (not likely) or a trade.
Baltimore is smelling fishy, and Jackson and Ravens seem headed for a divorce.