The Baltimore Ravens got some good news on Friday. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who sat out practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, was on the field for Friday’s session. The Baltimore Sun’s Jonas Shaffer captured video of Jackson participating in quarterback drills with Tyler Huntley and Trace McSorley, and he looked no worse for the wear.
Jackson has carried an increased burden within the Ravens offense this season.
The team lost three of its top four running backs to season-ending injuries, with JK Dobbins, Justice Hill, and Gus Edwards all going down in quick succession just before the start of the regular season. First-round draft pick Rashod Bateman has yet to play after having core-muscle surgery late in training camp. And left tackle Ronnie Stanley looked bad in his return from the knee injury he suffered last season and has gone back on injured reserve.
And yet, Jackson has the Ravens sitting at 2-1, having led game-winning drives in both of the team’s victories. He’s completed 61 percent of his passes and is averaging an NFL-best 14.4 yards per completion and 7.0 yards per rush attempt, totaling five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) along the way.
The team still needs to get healthier on both sides of the ball, but having a player with Jackson’s rare skill set who is capable of taking over and willing his team to a win is obviously very valuable. Getting him back at practice matters a great deal not just against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but every Sunday the rest of the year.
