Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens desperate for return of QB Lamar Jackson

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/4/23

The Ravens (10-6) are heading to the playoffs, but it isn't because of their offense. QB Lamar Jackson's knee injury has lingered much longer than originally thought, creating concern in Baltimore.

The Ravens have strung together enough wins in the regular season, but they won't be in the postseason for very long if Jackson remains sidelined. Baltimore hasn't scored more than 17 points in five consecutive games for the first time since 2005.

The Ravens have been held to 17 or fewer points in five straight games (Lamar Jackson has only played one quarter in this span).

The last time Baltimore failed to score more than 17 points in five consecutive games was 2005, when Kyle Boller and Anthony Wright were its QBs.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 2, 2023

As concerning as the Ravens offense has looked, head coach John Harbaugh still believes they can turn things around.

"They're not challenges that we're going to sit here and say we can't overcome or we can't win games with," Harbaugh told reporters. "We've got to try to do everything we can to make those plays in the next game. That's all you can do in this league."

Coach Harbaugh on the offense: pic.twitter.com/PMCTeDPTfJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2023

Overcoming those challenges may all be solved with the return of Jackson, but that might not be until playoff time comes. Baltimore seems to be exposed for its reliance on Jackson to make the offense work.

Jackson is in a contract year, and although he was hoping his play would make a case for a big, new contract, the lack thereof might do all of the talking.

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