Lamar Jackson confirms suspicion surrounding Bengals-Ravens matchup
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson confirmed on Thursday that he won't be playing versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday's Wild Card Round game. The standout quarterback has missed every game since suffering a knee injury in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. What many thought would be a short-lived absence has now extended itself into […]
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson confirmed on Thursday that he won't be playing versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday's Wild Card Round game.
The standout quarterback has missed every game since suffering a knee injury in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. What many thought would be a short-lived absence has now extended itself into the playoffs.
Jackson confirmed suspicions on Twitter by ruling himself out from the game against the Bengals. The quarterback also provided details on his injury, explaining it was a PCL grade 2 sprain.
While many have speculated that Lamar's contract situation with the Ravens is the real reason why he's not playing, I find it very hard to believe that's the case. Lamar Jackson has been everything NFL teams want in a quarterback on and off the field. To assume he'd miss a playoff game versus the Bengals is crazy.
Lamar would play if he could.
The Bengals are currently 8.5-point home favorites over the Ravens. Tyler Huntley is expected to start for Baltimore as OC Greg Roman is going to likely approach this game with an emphasis on running the ball.
The Ravens finished the season ranked as the second-best rushing offense per DVOA. Even after Jackson's injury, they've been an efficient team running the football.
Lou Anarumo's defense better is ready for some surprises. John Harbaugh admitted the Ravens treated last week's game against Cincinnati as a two-game operation since they knew they could face each other in the postseason.
The Bengals have no excuse and should take care of business on Sunday. But expect the scrappy Ravens to give them a good fight.
Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
