The NFL is reviewing the Baltimore Ravens’ management of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s practice participation after he was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears due to a hamstring injury. The inquiry comes amid questions over whether the team violated the league’s injury report policy, as Jackson was initially listed as a full participant in Friday’s practice before being changed to limited participation the following day. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed that the league reviews any changes to a player’s status.
Ravens Clarify Jackson Practice Participation, Raising Questions About NFL Reporting Compliance
The Ravens defended their reporting, stating that Jackson attended and participated fully in Friday’s practice but did not take any starter reps. After consulting with the league, the team updated the injury report to reflect his limited practice participation. A source noted that Jackson ran with the scout team rather than the starting unit, which, under NFL policy, should have been classified as limited participation due to his medical condition.
The NFL’s injury report policy specifies that players who participate in individual drills but do not take their normal team repetitions for medical reasons must be listed as “limited participation.” Even extensive participation with the scout team does not change this designation if the player would normally be practicing with the starters. The Ravens’ initial reporting of Jackson as a full participant raised questions about compliance with this rule.
Tyler Huntley to Start, Jackson Out, Impacting Ravens’ Performance and Betting Lines
After Jackson’s status was changed to limited and he was ruled out, the Ravens announced Tyler Huntley would start over Cooper Rush. Jackson is expected to return for the team’s upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. Jackson’s absence caused a sharp shift in betting lines, with Baltimore dropping from a 6.5-point favorite to a 1.5-point favorite against Chicago.
Baltimore’s performance without Jackson highlights his importance to the team. In his five seasons as a starter, Jackson has led the Ravens to a 74-32 record, including the playoffs, compared to a 4-12 record without him. The Ravens’ current 1-5 start marks one of the franchise’s most turbulent periods, placing them last in the AFC North for the first time in a decade.
