Ravens avoided worst-case scenario with QB Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens can rest easy after a positive Lamar Jackson update on Thursday.

The quarterback's foot was stepped on during Wednesday's practice, and he soon exited. X-rays of Jackson's foot revealed no damage, which was a relief for Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh. 

"I told the guys, 'Prayers do get answered,'" the coach told the media Thursday. "I was praying."

Jackson didn't practice Thursday, but the coach explained that the team is just exercising caution. 

"I'm sure it's a little sore today, so we just kept him in," Harbaugh said. "But he's fine. He's going to be good." 

Giving Jackson a break 17 days before the team's regular-season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 7 is smart. The 28-year-old has had some durability issues in the past, and the Ravens don't want to put him at risk. 

Jackson missed 10 games during the 2021 and 2022 seasons because of knee and back issues. The QB's injuries ultimately cost Baltimore.

The Ravens finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs in 2021. The following season, Baltimore made the playoffs with backup QB Tyler Huntley (now with the Cleveland Browns). However, the team lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, 24-17, in the AFC wild-card round. 

The Ravens have a competent backup QB in Cooper Rush. He went 9-5 in 14 starts during his seven-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Still, Baltimore would much rather have a healthy Jackson, one of the NFL's game-changers.

Over the past two seasons, he has won league MVP and earned two first-team All-Pro nods. In 2024, the QB ranked sixth in the league in passing yards (4,172 in 17 games) and tied for second in touchdown passes (41). 

The 2025 season could be one of the Ravens' best chances to win a championship. As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists them and the Philadelphia Eagles as co-Super Bowl favorites (+700). 

A serious injury to Jackson could've ruined Baltimore's championship aspirations. The Ravens are glad he didn't.