The Baltimore Ravens are preparing to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round after splitting the season series one game apiece. Baltimore was able to take the Week 5 battle between the two teams, while Cincinnati won during Week 18.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the team’s Week 18 battle with the Bengals, as he’s been injured since Week 13 after suffering a knee injury against the Denver Broncos. There hasn’t been much information regarding his status, however on Wednesday morning Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Jackson faces an “uphill battle” to play in the Wild Card round.
From @GMFB: #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (PCL) faces an uphill battle to play vs. the #Bengals in their Wild Card game, per me and @MikeGarafolo. More uncertainty. … Meanwhile, Baltimore paid LB Roquan Smith on a 5-year, $100M deal. pic.twitter.com/85Nbo8AefH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2023
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network added that Jackson has tried to do some work on his injured knee, but it “hasn’t felt right”.
Lamar Jackson has tried to do some work on his injured knee but hasn’t felt right to this point. He’s yet to practice at all since getting hurt, as the #Ravens begin their practice week for the #Bengals today. https://t.co/0UDzgCz7Dc
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 11, 2023
Jackson’s return would bode well for a struggling Ravens offense if he’s able to get back on the field and be even close to himself. However, if he’s unable to play, Tyler Huntley or Anthony Brown would take over the starting duties once again.
