12 January 2023 , 22:56
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Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson has broken his silence on his current injury, and remains 'hopeful' that he can return during the playoffs.
The Ravens take on Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in the playoffs, with Tyler Huntley expected to start as Jackson continues his comeback from injury. Many were hopeful that Jackson could be fit in time to make Sunday's clash, but chances of him starting look bleak.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has remained rather tight-lipped on Jackson's progress, claiming to give an update when he knows more. But Jackson has taken to Twitter to address the Ravens fans, and claim he still isn't 100 percent.
Jackson addressed his 1.1 million followers on Twitter, most of whom are Ravens fans that have been stressing ahead of Sunday's playoff game. "Thank you everyone for your support and concerns regarding my injuries," Jackson wrote.
"I want to give you all an update as I am in the recovery process. I’ve suffered a PCL grade 2 sprain on the borderline of a strain 3.
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"There is still inflammation surrounding my knee and my knee remains unstable. I’m still in good spirits, as I continue with treatments on the road to recovery.
"I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything but I can’t give a 100% of myself to my guys and fans. I’m still hopeful we still have a chance."
The Ravens face a tough test against their divisional rivals, and Huntley will need to deliver the goods to keep their season alive. But if they are eliminated from the post-season, although it would be the end of Jackson's season, there's still speculation over his future with the Ravens moving forward.
Jackson made a big call earlier this season, as he rejected a five-year $250m (£208.5m) deal with the Ravens, that would have seen him make a guaranteed $133m (£111m). It's claimed that Jackson was unsure about committing with the Ravens struggling at the time, and the quarterback may feel as though he's worth more to the franchise.
The Ravens have the ability to delay negotiations, allowing them more time to re-sign the former first-round draft pick. It's likely they'll come back with a fresh offer, but Jackson has certainly made sure the franchise understand what he thinks he's worth.
With his contract officially done at the end of this season, any game now could be his last with the franchise. But Jackson certainly has the backing of head coach John Harbaugh, who recently said: "You know I love Lamar. I love everything about Lamar. Always have, always will."