The Baltimore Ravens finally have a definitive understanding of the injury that forced franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson out of practice on Wednesday, August 20, a problem that left the two-time NFL MVP needing an X-ray.
Head coach John Harbaugh didn’t leave reporters and nervous fans waiting long to discover the results of the procedure. Harbaugh told the media on Thursday how Jackson’s X-ray didn’t show any damage to the dual-threat signal-caller’s foot, “He’s going to be good. It was a big relief. I told the guys, ‘Prayers do get answered.’ I was praying, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
“He’s going to be good,” Harbaugh said.
He added, “It was a big relief. I told the guys, ‘Prayers do get answered.’ I was praying.”
This is the news everyone connected with the Ravens wanted to hear. Namely that there’s nothing to worry about regarding the one player who remains essential to the team not wasting an open, but time-limited Super Bowl window.
Jackson is maturing every year into one of the most accurate and sophisticated passers in the game. The 28-year-old is also still arguably the most dynamic rushing quarterback no defensive player relishes trying to corral.
For all his talents, Jackson also boasts an unwanted and lengthy injury history that naturally raised concern when his foot was stepped on during Wednesday’s session. Fortunately, now Harbaugh and his staff can concentrate on keeping their marquee player out of harm’s way for the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Saturday, August 23.
Jackson resting his foot will again put the spotlight on a battle of unconvincing backup QBs who still need to impress.
Ravens Still Have Issues at Backup QB
They have been counting on Cooper Rush to prove a competent deputy to Jackson, but the Ravens are still waiting for the former Dallas Cowboys backup to deliver. Rush has muddled his way through preseason, completing 64.7 percent of his passes and tossing a trio of interceptions, per ESPN.
His unconvincing displays are a problem because Rush is unchallenged as a proven commodity of sorts behind Jackson at football’s most important position. There’s no longer a useful Pro Bowler like Tyler Huntley, nor a well-travelled and savvy pro like Josh Johnson.
Instead, the Ravens only have Devin Leary around to take reps alongside Rush. Leary is a second-year pro and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but he’s also yet to throw a pass in anger during a meaningful game at this level.
It’s a risk-laden depth chart behind Jackson, so the Ravens need him to stay on the field, where he’s delivering increasingly impressive results.
Lamar Jackson Continues to Get Better
Durability is key for Jackson because he continues to get better throwing the ball. Specifically, No. 8 improved his deep passing last season, becoming “deadly efficient” on throws of 20-plus air yards, completing “30 of 73 attempts for 960 yards, 11 touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 122.3,” according to Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports.
Jackson has been refining his game thanks to a prolific partnership with offensive coordinator Todd Monken. It’s a “combination of structure and chaos,” per Farrar, who pointed out “Jackson was also ridiculous without play-action, completing 245 of 374 passes for 3,178 yards, 30 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 114.4.”
Numbers like those underscore Jackson’s critical importance to whether the Ravens win or lose. He’s dealt with illness on several occasions, as well as succumbing to ankle and knee injuries in 2021 and ’22 that cost him 10 games and saw the Ravens post a modest 2-8 record in those contests, according to Statmuse.
The formula is simple. Harbaugh’s team is a genuine contender with Jackson in the lineup, but a losing outfit without him. So it’s great news his latest setback is nothing serious.
Ravens HC Provides Major Lamar Jackson Update After X-Ray