The Baltimore Ravens face mounting anxiety as their superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson battles a knee injury that could sideline him for this weekend's critical encounter against the Miami Dolphins.
Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, has been limited in practice throughout the week, leaving coaches and fans alike questioning whether he'll be fit to lead the offence against one of the AFC's strongest contenders.
Practice Participation Tells Concerning Story
Team insiders report that Jackson's practice involvement has been carefully managed, with the medical staff taking no chances with their franchise player's long-term health. The Ravens have adopted a conservative approach, prioritising Jackson's recovery over short-term gains.
"We're monitoring his progress hour by hour," revealed a team source. "The decision will come down to game day, depending on how he responds to treatment."
Backup Quarterbacks Ready to Step Up
Should Jackson be ruled out, the Ravens have prepared contingency plans with backup quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and rookie Josh Johnson both taking increased reps in practice. Huntley, who has starting experience from previous seasons, appears to be the primary replacement option.
The potential absence of Jackson's dynamic playmaking ability would significantly alter Baltimore's offensive strategy, likely forcing them to rely more heavily on their running game and short-passing attack.
Playoff Implications Add Pressure
This matchup carries substantial weight in the AFC playoff picture, with both teams jockeying for position in the highly competitive conference. The Dolphins' high-powered offence presents a formidable challenge even with Jackson at full strength, making his potential absence particularly concerning for Ravens supporters.
Head coach John Harbaugh maintained his characteristic optimism during media sessions, stating: "We have confidence in all our players. Lamar is working hard with the medical team, and we'll make the best decision for the team and for him."
The final determination on Jackson's availability is expected to be announced approximately 90 minutes before kickoff, following pre-game warmups and a final medical assessment.
