Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has confirmed he will play against the Denver Broncos this Sunday, stating he is “100 percent” ready despite missing two practices this week due to back and knee injuries. After returning to practice on Friday, Jackson explained that his absence was primarily to rest his body and prepare for the long NFL season ahead. Notably, when the Ravens released their injury report, Jackson did not receive any designation, indicating he is fully cleared to participate in the game.
This week was significant for Jackson as it marked the first time he had missed regular-season practice this year. Although he sat out on Wednesday and Thursday, he returned on Friday as a full participant, showing good mobility during drills. Head coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in Jackson’s readiness for the game, noting that he has been actively studying and involved in the team’s preparations throughout the week.
Under Jackson’s leadership, the Ravens’ offense has excelled, ranking first in total yards per game at 452.1 and second in scoring with an average of 30.3 points. Jackson’s individual statistics have also been impressive, with 2,099 passing yards, placing him fifth in the league, alongside leading all quarterbacks with 501 rushing yards. His health is essential for the team, as the Ravens have a winning percentage of .741 with him at the helm compared to .307 without him since he took over as starter in 2018.
In addition to Jackson’s situation, the Ravens are also monitoring running back Keaton Mitchell, who is listed as questionable for the upcoming game. Mitchell has participated fully in practice this week, showing signs of his previous form after averaging 8.2 yards per carry during his rookie season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. For him to play on Sunday, the Ravens will need to activate him from injured reserve, and Harbaugh highlighted the positive progress Mitchell has made in his recovery.
As they prepare for their matchup against the Broncos, the Ravens currently hold a 5-3 record, just one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North standings. Following this game, the team will quickly shift its focus to a Thursday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. This week presents a pivotal opportunity for the Ravens to build on their strong offensive performance while making crucial decisions regarding player health and roster management.
