The collective breath of Baltimore was held when quarterback Lamar Jackson missed a few training camp practices a few weeks ago. Though Jackson returned to the field after two practices, the performance of the offense in his absence was a reminder of how precarious every season in the NFL is.
With the Ravens kicking off the 2020 regular season against the Cleveland Browns in just 10 days, Jackson’s health is a paramount concern. But according to the reigning MVP, he’s good to go.
“Actually, I was just getting a little maintenance. I just felt . . . it wasn’t anything major, at all,” Jackson said before Thursday’s practice. “I’m good now. I was good the day I sat out of practice but they just wanted me to just keep it safe, stay in the safe zone cause the season is coming up. But like I said, I’m 100 [percent] right now. I’m good.”
Baltimore tends to not reveal many details about their injuries, especially to a superstar player like Jackson. But there were conflicting reports about what Jackson’s injury actually was.
Ravens wide receivers coach and assistant head coach David Culley said Jackson was getting a typical veteran day off to rest his arm. The following day, John Harbaugh called it a soft-tissue injury and said the team was playing it safe by keeping Jackson out. ESPN’s Adam Schefter further clarified, saying Jackson had suffered a groin injury.
Jackson returned to practice and has continued to look like his usual self, which is a real positive for the Ravens. Jackson won the MVP award, in part, because of his ability to make plays on the ground. While Jackson has said he’s worked on becoming a more consistent passer this offseason, focusing on the deep ball, being mobile is a very large part of his game and Baltimore’s offensive scheme.
The Ravens start their regular-season schedule on Sept. 13 against the Cleveland Browns.
