In a season filled with twists and turns, the Baltimore Ravens received a much-needed dose of reassurance from their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson. After missing two practices this week due to back and knee injuries, the former MVP put any doubts to rest, declaring he will “100 percent” play in Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Jackson’s absence from the practice field raised eyebrows and stirred up speculation about his availability for Week 9. However, the dynamic signal-caller quickly dismissed those concerns, stating, “That wasn’t in doubt. Just resting my body. It’s a long season.” His return to practice on Friday, where he reportedly moved around well, further solidified his commitment to suiting up come game day.
Ravens’ Offensive Juggernaut Hinges on a Healthy Jackson
The Ravens’ success this season has been largely attributed to the play of their electrifying quarterback. Jackson currently ranks fifth in the NFL in passing yards (2,099) and leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards (501). His dual-threat abilities have propelled Baltimore’s offense to the top of the league, ranking first in total yards (452.1 per game) and second in scoring (30.3 points per game).
Head coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in his star player, brushing off any concerns about Jackson’s readiness despite the missed practices. “He’ll be ready,” Harbaugh asserted. “He studied all week. He was involved in all the preparation. He knows the game plan. He knows the opponent.”
Jackson’s Health: The Key to Ravens’ Playoff Aspirations
As the Ravens sit just one game behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers in the highly competitive AFC North, Jackson’s health and availability will be paramount to their postseason aspirations. Since becoming the starter in 2018, the Ravens boast an impressive 63-22 record (.741) with Jackson under center, compared to a meager 4-9 (.307) without him.
The physical toll of the NFL season is not lost on the coaching staff, as Harbaugh indicated he would consider giving Jackson more rest days in the future. “You got to take that in consideration, for sure,” he acknowledged. “You want your players to be at their best on Sunday.”
A Pivotal Matchup Against the Broncos Awaits
Sunday’s game against the Broncos carries significant weight for both teams. The Ravens, sitting at 5-3, have an opportunity to keep pace in the AFC playoff picture, while Denver, also at 5-3, looks to assert itself as a legitimate contender. With a short turnaround before hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, Baltimore needs a healthy and effective Jackson to navigate this critical stretch of the season.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson, the catalyst of the Ravens’ high-powered offense. His declaration of readiness has instilled confidence in his teammates and the fan base, but the true test will come under the bright lights of M&T Bank Stadium. For the Ravens to soar, they’ll need their MVP to be at his electrifying best, leaving no doubt that he is indeed “100 percent” ready to lead the charge.
