The Baltimore Ravens are just outside of the AFC playoff picture currently and desperately need to win some games to have a shot at a postseason berth. Their chances in Week 13 appear to have gotten a little better as the Ravens have activated quarterback Lamar Jackson and three others from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, making them eligible to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. Here’s everyone that was activated on Monday.
- QB Lamar Jackson
- FB Patrick Ricard
- LS Morgan Cox
- DT Justin Madubuike
Jackson was initially put on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thanksgiving after testing positive for the coronavirus. He sat out Week 12’s contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, seeing Robert Griffin III and Trace McSorley play to a close loss in his stead.
McSorley and Griffin combined to complete 9-of-18 passes (50%) for 110 yards, one touchdown, and one pick-six, adding 84 rushing yards on 10 carries as well. While Jackson hasn’t lived up to his 2019 MVP award yet this season, last week’s game against the Steelers only proved how valuable he is to the Ravens’ chances of success. Had Griffin not thrown a pick-six or had either quarterback been more efficient, Baltimore realistically could have beaten Pittsburgh.
The big question now is just how prepared Jackson could possibly be after spending 10-plus days in isolation and not having practiced since before Week 11’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Just because a player has come off the Reserve/COVID-19 list doesn’t necessarily mean they’re prepared — physically or mentally — for a football game. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh has been mum on the subject, deferring the decision to team doctors and officials. But with Griffin on injured reserve now and the Ravens’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, if Jackson is even remotely ready to play, it seems likely he’ll be under center come Tuesday.
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