Due to illness, Lamar Jackson missed the first practice of the season; his status is unknown for Rams-Ravens
On Sunday, Los Angeles travels to Baltimore to play the 9-3 Ravens, who currently lead the AFC. But today, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Ravens’ star quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his first practice of the season due to an illness. That was some unexpected news coming out of the team.
Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator, would not discuss Jackson’s condition prior to the Rams’ Week 14 game, and it is currently unclear if he will be able to play. With tight end Mark Andrews sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Ravens are already severely lacking in offensive production.
Jackson has started all 12 of Baltimore’s games this season, but he has previously struggled with illness in the latter part of the season, missing a game against the Chicago Bears in 2021 for the same reason. It’s interesting that the quarterback is missing practice because of his ankle problem this season, even though he hasn’t missed any time due to the injury.
Jackson has completed 2,618 yards of passing with 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions as of right now. In addition, he has 574 yards gained on the ground, making him a strong contender for MVP this season. Although you never want to wish illness or injury upon any player, the Rams defense could potentially benefit more if Jackson is sidelined. It would be a major loss for Baltimore’s offense.
Tyler Huntley, the backup quarterback for Baltimore, is actually a very good backup quarterback who has experience replacing Jackson. Huntley replaced Jackson in 2021 against the Rams in a game that Los Angeles had to win at the time. Former Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who is currently a wide receiver for the Ravens, contributed significantly to LA’s victory by scoring the game-winning touchdown late in the match.
After leaving the team following his 2021 Super Bowl run—during which he tore his ACL in the championship game and missed the entire 2022 season—this will be Beckham Jr.’s first game against LA. On Wednesday, Beckham Jr. only had positive things to say about Los Angeles and head coach Sean McVay.
“It’s a special bond that I have with those guys over there — ‘Coop’ (Cooper Kupp), (Matthew) Stafford,” Beckham said, per the team transcript. “I still hit a little group chat. Talked a little trash with them this week. It’s just all love and respect. McVay’s been … He kind of was the person who … the whole situation and organization brought me back to loving and having joy for football and understanding true professionalism and being prepared. It was just a great experience for me, alongside winning a Super Bowl. Overall, it was one of the best things that’s happened in my life.”
McVay returned the love, saying nothing but positive things about his former player.
“Yeah, I keep in touch,” McVay said. “I love Odell. He sure means a lot to me. It was a blessing to be able to coach him, and he’s as fun a guy as there is. He’s so talented. He works hard. He’s a great teammate. The ways that he elevated our program and what he meant to our team. And then because you appreciate the person so much, I always root for him, except for this week. But he’s on the bad guys this week, so we’ll root for him after that.”
The Rams take on the Ravens in an early window game, and a victory in Baltimore could be a major step in the right direction for LA if they want to stay up with teams like the Packers, Vikings, and Seahawks in the NFC playoff race. It might be slightly easier to do that job if Lamar Jackson is not an obstacle.