Lamar Jackson's future takes fresh twist as Baltimore Ravens ace suffers setback

11 January 2023 , 19:42

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Lamar Jackson is still recovering from a PCL injury

The Baltimore Ravens might be forced to take on the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend without megastar quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is still suffering with an injury. Jackson is dealing with a PCL injury, and hasn't played since December 4.

Jackson suffered the PCL injury against the Denver Broncos after a heavy sack from Jonathon Cooper, but there had been initial optimism he could return in time for the post-season.

The quarterback is pivotal to the Ravens' success, and is currently in the middle of a contract stand-off with the franchise over his future, as his current deal expires at the end of the season.

But according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, there isn't much optimism from inside the Ravens to suggest he'll play this weekend. Jackson apparently faces an uphill battle to feature against the Bengals. Speaking to Good Morning Football, Rapoport said: "Not looking good for Lamar Jackson. Which is a bit of a surprise if you look back.

"Dec. 4 was the last time he played, battling a PCL sprain. There were so many people involved who thought if Lamar is not going to play in the regular season, he will surely be ready in the playoffs.

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"However, from my understanding this is something sources have said over the course of the past 24 hours is that Lamar Jackson faces an uphill battle to be able to get out on the field in the playoffs against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lamar Jackson seems unlikely to play in the NFL Play-Offs (Getty Images)

"He is working, he is trying, he is rehabbing. The knee is just not quite right. Now, this has been shrouded in some secrecy, so there's always a chance.

"Anything happens with Lamar Jackson, but I would be surprised base on what I know if he practices today, which means we can see Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley for the Baltimore Ravens."

If he doesn't play this weekend and the Ravens are eliminated from the post-season, Jackson may never play for the franchise again. The quarterback will be representing himself in contract negotiations this summer, and has been tipped to leave the team.

Daniel Blackham