He wasn’t at practice on Wednesday, November 12 , and the Baltimore Ravens have updated the status of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson for Week 11’s game against the Cleveland Browns, courtesy of head coach John Harbaugh.
The latter told reporters, including Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, how “knee soreness” kept Jackson out of Wednesday’s session, but the two-time NFL MVP “should be good.” A knee problem raised concerns about Jackson’s status, but the update at least revealed there’s no further issue with the hamstring injury that had kept No. 8 out of three-straight games.
It means the Ravens can expect their dynamic, dual-threat signal-caller to practice on Thursday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That’s the news the Ravens needed to hear since they’ve been winning regularly with Jackson back at the controls.
Jackson has been efficient, while his return has restored confidence throughout the whole team. Including a defense revitalized in recent weeks.
The Ravens have already proved they can win with backup Tyler Huntley this season, but doing so against the Browns, owners of one of the league’s stingiest defenses, would be a tall order on the road.
Ravens Still Dependant on Lamar Jackson’s Status
He still has his detractors, including those who deem him overrated, but Jackson remains the key to whether the Ravens win or lose. When he plays, Jackson gives his team a functioning passing game, along with the extra threat of his own rushing skills.
Those are the obvious physical benefits of Jackson being on the field, but there’s something more intangible about his place in the lineup. Having Jackson healthy and available gives his teammates added belief they can win.
That belief comes from Jackson’s innate ability to manufacture big plays from seemingly lost situations. More than the four-time Pro Bowler’s skill-set, Jackson raises the overall standards to keep the Ravens from becoming complacent.
Complacency shouldn’t be an issue for a team that’s still only 4-5, but the Ravens can’t afford to overlook the Browns and risk stalling their recent momentum.
Ravens Must Avoid Repeat of Last Season’s Setback vs. Browns
Jackson and the Ravens already know the sting of being upset by the Browns at Huntington Bank Field. A Browns team led by Jameis Winston shocked Jackson and Co. and condemned the Ravens to a 29-24 defeat in Week 8 last season.
That loss was part of the Ravens losing three out of the last four to their AFC North rivals in Cleveland. Things rarely go to form between these two familiar foes, so All-Pro middle linebacker Roquan Smith has sent the Ravens a warning.
Smith cautioned, “the games are not won on paper. They’re won between the lines,” per The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer.
It’s a lesson worth remembering because the Browns remain a legitimate threat, even with rookie QB Dillon Gabriel in the lineup. Jackson can win any quarterback duel, even though he could be without wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
The bona fide deep threat “is not expected to play,” according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Bateman will be missed, but Jackson isn’t short of viable targets, including wideout Zay Flowers and All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews, who has been resurgent in recent weeks.
Jackson has what he’ll need to see off the Browns and keep the re-energized Ravens on course for an unlikely playoff push.
Ravens HC Updates Lamar Jackson’s Status After Missed Practice