Lamar Jackson didn’t practice Wednesday because of a knee injury.
The Baltimore Ravens exercised precaution and held Lamar Jackson of out practice.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the reigning NFL MVP didn’t practice on Wednesday for Baltimore, as Robert Griffin III took all the first-team reps. This decision to hold Jackson out was strictly precautionary, but it was deemed a knee concern that kept him out. At 3-1, Baltimore should improve to 4-1 vs. the 1-2-1 Cincinnati Bengals as long as Jackson plays on Sunday.
Should we be concerned about Lamar Jackson’s health heading into Sunday?
No, the Ravens should have no problem defeating their division rival at home in the early-afternoon window. Though the Bengals have gotten better with every game they’ve played this season, Baltimore’s team is too talented for Cincinnati to realistically pull off the upset. However, Joe Burrow has galvanized this AFC North team and they are no longer an easy out in the NFL.
If Griffin has to play on Sunday, it may not be the end of the world for the Ravens, as they should get the win over Cincinnati anyway. He is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league. However, Baltimore is not going to win the AFC North for a third year in a row if Jackson does not have his health in the second half of the campaign. He is the straw that stirs the drink on offense.
It’s pretty clear Jackson won’t repeat as NFL MVP this year, as guys like Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks have gotten off to fast starts quarterbacking their respective teams. What does matter though is the Ravens offense playing with confidence with Jackson being the primary focal point of it.
If he doesn’t practice on Thursday or Friday, that’s not a big issue as long as he starts. Griffin may be good enough to guide the Ravens to a victory over Burrow and the Bengals, but it’s not a guarantee as it would be with Jackson under center leading this offense. An extra day of rest of two to allow that knee to heal up may be just what the doctor ordered for Jackson and Baltimore.
It’s a precautionary measure, but one we’re certainly keeping an eye on heading into Sunday.