The Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round. But will quarterback Lamar Jackson play in that game?
The Baltimore Ravens have made it to the playoffs, despite the fact that they were without Lamar Jackson for the team’s final five games of the season.
Back in Week 13, Jackson left the game with a right knee injury, which was later determined to be a PCL sprain. Jackson missed the team’s regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, so the NFL world will be watching throughout the week whether he will be ready for their upcoming playoff game.
According to theScore NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Jackson is still dealing with “extreme swelling” and is “pretty limited.” He noted that it had nothing to do with his contract.
Additionally, NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport reported that Jackson is facing “an uphill battle” to play in the Wild Card Round against the Bengals.
Lamar Jackson is still dealing with “extreme swelling” and remains “pretty limited,” a source tells @theScore. I’m told this has nothing to do with his contract either.@RapSheet reported Jackson’s facing an “uphill battle” to play. The #Ravens play at the #Bengals Sunday night.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 11, 2023
Did Lamar Jackson already play in his final game with Ravens?
On Wednesday, Jackson did not participate in the team’s practice.
Injury Report for Wild Card week: pic.twitter.com/OaWUMwj0GS
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 11, 2023
Of course, Jackson is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of this season. He is on the fifth year of his rookie contract and would become an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens have the opportunity to place an exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which would prevent him from negotiating with other teams. The exclusive franchise tag is expected to be worth over $45 million for the 2023 season.
If Jackson does hit free agency and doesn’t have an exclusive franchise tag placed on him, he would become a top option for quarterback-needy teams in free agency.
This season, Jackson recorded 2,242 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while completing 62.3 percent of his passes. Jackson also ran for 764 yards and three touchdowns on 112 carries.
Ravens fans should get a better idea of if Jackson will play or sit in the team’s Sunday night game against the Bengals by their final practice on Friday.