Jackson's back and says he’s all-in for Sunday—will he bring the heat against Denver?
Lamar Jackson is “100%” able to play. There was never any question about Jackson’s availability for Sunday’s game when the Baltimore Ravens are set to host the Denver Broncos. The reigning NFL MVP made it clear he’d be ready to play.
The Ravens’ injury report on Wednesday showed Jackson dealing with back and knee issues, which kept him out of practice for two consecutive days.
When asked if he was resting because of any hits during their 29-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Jackson clarified that he was just allowing his body some recovery time.
“We got a lot of games in the next couple [of] weeks, so just trying to get my body right,” Jackson said. “Keep it fresh.”
Another reporter inquired if his absence had impacted any preparations or the game plan, to which Jackson responded, “No, not at all.”
By Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jackson is off the injury list, reinforcing his availability for Sunday.
After skipping the first two days of practice, Jackson was back in full form on Friday. Jackson, the two-time MVP, has not missed a game due to health since 2022. Fans expected this comeback despite lingering concerns about his condition.
For the Broncos, Jackson’s uncertain status likely didn’t disrupt their defensive planning. They’ll be as prepared as possible for the former Heisman Trophy winner, but it’s natural to wonder how much those back and knee issues might slow him down.
Jamal Lewis, a big back himself, explained that Lamar Jackson needed to adjust to Derrick Henry’s playstyle. This poses challenges because it doesn’t suit shotgun formations.
“I think Lamar had to adjust really more than Derrick Henry,” Lewis noted. “Because I know as a big back, it’s hard to run out of the shotgun, especially trying to keep your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage, you know, turning all and this type of stuff. I liked to be in the ‘I’ where I see the field.”
“But now it’s like Lamar had to go under center, or they had to run Pistol. Because I can tell you this, Derrick Henry is not effective going sideline to sideline. But when his shoulders are square, man listen, some business decisions and some cats got to really think twice about running up on that.”
So far this season, Derrick Henry has set the league pace with 946 rushing yards and nine touchdowns—a stellar start for the 30-year-old. Jackson, too, is off to a strong start, having thrown for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Currently, the Ravens hold a 5-3 record, placing them second in the AFC North, with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead at 6-2. A win against the Broncos on Sunday is vital. With the spotlight on Baltimore, Jackson and Henry are undeniably at the core of the Ravens’ offense.
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