Is Lamar Jackson playing this week? Latest news, updates on Ravens QB’s status for Week 17 against Packers
The Baltimore Ravens have had a disastrous year, with a campaign that began with Super Bowl aspirations quickly devolving into a frustrating December defined by injuries, losses, and mounting questions about the franchise’s future. Now, with their playoff hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads, their biggest star is severely hobbled, as two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is battling a painful back contusion that has kept him out of practice for the second consecutive day.
The back injury, sustained in Sunday night’s loss to the New England Patriots, is described by Head Coach John Harbaugh as a “legitimate, very painful” deep-tissue bruise. Jackson’s status for Saturday’s must-win, elimination-game matchup against the Green Bay Packers has cast a massive shadow over Baltimore’s already slim chances.
Here’s the latest updates on the two-time MVP and his status for Saturday night in Green Bay.
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Jackson’s status was up in the air and he is now considered doubtful for the Ravens matchup against Green Bay.
Jackson missed three games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, which set the tone for a frustrating year of recurring physical setbacks that have clearly impacted his play and the team’s fortunes. Beyond the hamstring and his current, painful back contusion, the two-time MVP has also dealt with nagging issues involving his knee, toe, and ankle throughout the campaign.
The lower-body ailments have prevented Jackson from showcasing his signature electric dual-threat ability; his rushing yardage is on pace for a career-low and he has appeared noticeably less explosive, suggesting the constant battle with injury has been a major factor in the Ravens’ disappointing skid.
In his absence, Tyler Huntley would get the start
*This story will be updated with the latest available information.
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Jackson sustained a deep-tissue back contusion late in the first half of the Ravens’ recent loss to the New England Patriots after he was kneed in the back by a defender while going to the ground. Harbaugh confirmed the injury is “legitimate, very painful” and has caused the muscles around the area to lock up, severely limiting the two-time MVP’s ability to move.
As a result of the painful bruise, Jackson has been unable to practice this week and has been officially listed as doubtful for the critical Saturday night game against the Green Bay Packers. The team is reliant on Tyler Huntley, who has been preparing to start, as a loss would eliminate the Ravens from playoff contention.
