The Baltimore Ravens downgraded quarterback Lamar Jackson’s status from ‘questionable’ to ‘out’ ahead of their Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Backup Tyler ‘Snoop’ Huntley will make his third straight start after an overtime win over the Falcons and a disappointing loss to the Browns.
Jackson’s comments on Friday, as well as his limited practice participation all week, portended this outcome. He revealed that he suffered a high ankle sprain and was struggling to put weight on his left
leg when running. He indicated that he did not need to be 100% to take the field, but emphasized that he would be doing a “disservice” to his team if he plays before his body is ready.
Downgrading Jackson’s status is reminiscent of the lead-up to last year’s Week 8 matchup against the Bears. He suffered a hamstring injury three weeks prior and returned to practice with limited-limited-full participation days and a questionable designation on the injury report. However, Jackson did not speak to media that week, and the team only changed his status after reports emerged that he was not expected to play.
This year, Jackson provided rare clarity regarding his injury, answering over a dozen questions about his status. Despite his multiple references to a “grace period” before making a decision, it was clear that he was not ready to play as of Friday. Rapid improvements in time for a Sunday afternoon kickoff were never likely.
Saturday’s reports also characterized Jackson as a game-time decision. The differences from last year’s approach should ensure the Ravens avoid another league investigation that resulted in a $100,000 fine.
At face value, it seems unclear why the Ravens had to update Jackson’s status on Saturday, especially if he is in that 50-50 range. Baltimore has let plenty of other players go through a pregame workout and announced their status via the inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff. It would actually benefit the team to force their opponents to prepare for Jackson to start and sit. But a two-time MVP moves betting lines, and the league is inextricably tied with sportsbooks. If Jackson is not playing, that information (from their perspective) has to be made public.
