The Baltimore Ravens might have a difficult decision to make regarding Lamar Jackson this week. With the star quarterback nursing an ankle injury, there’s no guarantee that he’s able to suit up for this week’s game.
Jackson was injured early in the second quarter of the Ravens’ Week 14 loss to the Cleveland Browns when he had his ankle rolled up. Tyler Huntley came in and nearly helped lead his team to an improbable come-from-behind victory.
After the game, head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that Jackson had suffered an ankle sprain and it was revealed shortly after to be a low-ankle sprain.
The Ravens remain hopeful that Jackson will be able to play in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers. But after the team signed Josh Johnson off the New York Jets‘ practice squad, the signs are there that the Ravens are at least a little concerned.
Especially with Jackson being held out of practice on Wednesday.
Should the Ravens consider resting Lamar Jackson in Week 15?
The Ravens are going to do everything in their power to get Jackson healthy enough to play in Week 15. But it’s worth considering if it might just be in the best interest of everyone involved if he sits another week.
Even if Jackson is able to play on Sunday, there’s no chance that he’ll be 100 percent. Jackson’s game heavily relies on his legs, mobility, and escapability — all of which will be severely limited if he does play.
The Ravens are heading into the most crucial part of their season, but with a must-win game against the Cincinnati Bengals on tap in Week 16, Baltimore needs to be sure that Jackson is as healthy as possible for that game.
Would rushing him back at, say, 70 percent while risking further injury be worth it? That’s a question the Ravens coaching and training staff will have to answer.
If the Ravens believe that Lamar Jackson is healthy enough to play without a high risk of re-injury, he should play. But if there’s a risk of re-injury and he won’t be close to 100 percent, they’re probably better just rolling with Tyler Huntley.
There’s more at stake here than just one game. The Ravens can’t take this decision lightly.