Lamar Jackson’s status for Sunday’s AFC Wild Card matchup with the Bengals had been in doubt for much of the week as the Ravens quarterback had yet to return to practice. On Thursday, Jackson offered some clarity on his progress, and it wasn’t what Ravens fans had hoped to hear.
Jackson, who has been out since Week 13 after suffering a PCL sprain, took to Twitter on Thursday to share that his knee hasn’t progressed enough to suit up for Sunday’s game. According to Jackson, his Grade 2 sprain was close to a Grade 3 (a complete separation), and his knee remains unstable with just a few days until that playoff matchup.
remains unstable. I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery. I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give a 100% of myself to my guys and fans I’m still hopeful we still have a chance. 💜💜
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 12, 2023
The injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time for the Ravens. Jackson went into the season without reaching a new longterm deal, and it’s far from certain that Jackson suits up for the Ravens again should they lose in the postseason. But with a Grade 2/3 sprain, it’s clear Jackson’s absence has nothing to do with his contract situation — it’s a significant injury. And it’s unlikely he’d return at all this postseason.
His backup Tyler Huntley was a limited participant in practice and back throwing after his own shoulder injury.
NFL fans had plenty of thoughts on the news from Jackson.