Lamar Jackson Assures Fans: Injury “Nothing to Worry About” After Getting Kneed in the Back
Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has reassured fans and analysts that his injury during the AFC Wild Card Round is “nothing to worry about.” Despite being kneed in the back during his team’s 28-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson downplayed the incident, emphasizing that it “really didn’t affect me at all.”
A Resilient Performance from the Ravens’ MVP
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, has proven his resilience once again. Even after experiencing minor discomfort, he continued to lead his team to a dominant win. On the sidelines, he wore a heat pack to manage the pain but confirmed that his back is feeling “good.”
This marks another example of Jackson’s ability to push through injuries, a trait that has been crucial for the Ravens this season.
Injury Concerns Throughout the Season
While Jackson hasn’t missed a game since the end of the 2023 regular season, he has dealt with multiple injuries this year. Midway through the 2024 season, he began sitting out practices due to knee and back issues, sparking concerns among fans and the media. However, these issues didn’t stop him from achieving another remarkable campaign.
During the 2024 season, Jackson completed 66.7% of his passes, amassing 4,172 yards, and recording an impressive 41 touchdowns with only four interceptions. His 119.6 quarterback rating led the NFL, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most elite players.
The Risk of a Dual-Threat Quarterback
Jackson’s unique ability as a dual-threat quarterback—combining both passing and rushing capabilities—makes him a target for defenders. This has resulted in injuries in the past, including a total of 10 missed games over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. However, his durability this season has been pivotal for the Ravens, who clinched the AFC North title.
The Ravens’ struggles without Jackson are well-documented. When sidelined, the team has gone 4-9 and averaged fewer than 17 points per game, highlighting his critical role in their success.
What’s Next for the Ravens?
If Jackson were to miss time, the Ravens would likely adjust their offensive strategy. Veteran backup quarterback Josh Johnson last started an NFL game in 2021, leaving much of the responsibility to running back Derrick Henry in Jackson’s potential absence.
For now, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Lamar Jackson remains focused on leading the Ravens deeper into the playoffs. As he puts it, his injury is “nothing to worry about.”
