Lamar Jackson was once again absent from Ravens practice on Tuesday, marking the fourth straight week he’s missed at least one session. And while the missed time hasn’t kept him off the field on game days, it’s certainly something worth monitoring as Baltimore heads into a crucial stretch.
During the open portion of practice, reporters confirmed Jackson wasn’t present with the rest of the team. The Ravens haven’t yet specified the exact reason for his latest absence, but over the past few weeks, he’s been listed with a laundry list of lower-body issues - ankle, toe, knee - and earlier this season, he missed three games due to a hamstring injury.
The official injury report due Wednesday should shed more light on what’s keeping him off the field this time around. But the pattern here is clear: Jackson’s been gutting it out through a series of nagging injuries, and while he’s continued to suit up on Sundays, the limited practice time suggests he's not operating at 100%.
That’s significant, especially now. The Ravens are coming off a tough divisional loss to the Steelers - one that knocked them out of the top spot in the AFC North - and they’re heading to Cincinnati this weekend in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal matchup. With the division race tightening, Baltimore can’t afford to let momentum slip away.
Jackson’s availability hasn’t wavered when it comes to game time, but the accumulation of injuries and missed practices could impact the team’s rhythm and preparation - especially with postseason positioning on the line. How the Ravens manage his workload this week, and how Jackson responds physically, could go a long way in shaping the outcome of not just Sunday’s game, but the rest of their season.