The Baltimore Ravens could be dealing with a serious situation, as star quarterback Lamar Jackson was not spotted at Wednesday’s practice, per multiple reporters who were on site.
More news: Ravens Acquire Pro Bowl WR in Blockbuster Trade
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was not at the open portion of today’s practice.
He seemed to be having a little discomfort with his groin/core area in the locker room Sunday, but the injury report will tell us more.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 30, 2024
Baltimore Banner reporter Jonas Shaffer was one of the reporters who revealed that Jackson was not present. Even more interesting is he detailed that the star quarterback had experienced a bit of groin/core area discomfort in the locker room after the Ravens lost to the Cleveland Browns.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is likely to reveal more information, and the injury report will also detail what could be going on with Jackson. Despite his only missing one day, that could be cause for concern.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on in the third quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Ravens Lamar Jackson was not spotted at practice on Wednesday.
Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Jackson being injured would be concerning considering how well the team has been playing with him under center. After an 0-2 start, the team has gone on to win five straight. Their most recent game on Sunday was a surprising loss to their divisional rivals.
The Browns started Jameis Winston, and the Ravens’ defense appeared to crumble in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. Winston threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman, pushing the Browns to a 29-24 win.
Despite the upset, the Ravens are still 5-3 on the season and are a game behind the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are in first place, and there is far more football to play to determine the division winner.
Should Jackson not be able to suit up for Week 9, the Ravens would use Josh Johnson as the starter. Johnson was reportedly working with the first-team offense with Jackson not being able to make practice.
Jackson is coming off a spectacular 2023 season, which saw the dual-threat quarterback secure his second MVP award. Jackson threw for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 821 yards and five touchdowns.
Jackson has been making a case this season for another MVP award, as he has secured 2,099 yards, 17 touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with 501 rushing yards and one touchdown through eight games.
The Ravens would need to elevate a quarterback for Sunday, should Jackson not be able to suit up. Johnson is the only other healthy quarterback on the depth chart right now, and Baltimore would need some insurance via a backup.
Jackson will have a few more days to determine his playing status, but missing a practice right now is deeply concerning. Should he also miss Thursday’s practice, the Ravens might be operating with the idea that their starter will have to sit out Sunday’s showdown.
For more on the Ravens, head to Newsweek Sports.
