As of today, January 7, 2024, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Lamar Jackson’s recent situation:
Injury and Rest:
- Week 18 (Jan 6th): Lamar Jackson didn’t play in the Ravens’ Week 18 game against the Steelers due to a potential injury. Coach Harbaugh mentioned they needed to assess the injury before deciding on his start.
- Previous Concerns: He wasn’t seriously injured throughout the season, but some speculated about minor leg issues throughout the year. Notably, he left a Week 12 game early due to an apparent leg injury, but returned in the same game.
MVP Candidacy and Season Performance:
- Leading MVP Race: Despite missing the last game, Jackson remains the frontrunner for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. He had an exceptional season, leading the Ravens to the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a stellar performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 (5 total touchdowns).
- Season Highlights: 3,249 passing yards, 767 rushing yards, 38 total touchdowns (27 passing, 11 rushing), and a career-high 64.4% completion percentage.
Playoff Outlook:
- First-round Bye: The Ravens secured the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye, meaning they won’t play again until the divisional round on January 20th or 21st.
- Rest or Play?: Coach Harbaugh hasn’t announced whether Jackson will start in the playoffs, leaving open the question of whether he’ll use the extra week for further rest or early preparation.
Additional points:
- Jackson recently signed a five-year, $260 million contract with the Ravens, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
- He was selected to the 2023 Pro Bowl.
Overall, Lamar Jackson is poised for a playoff run with the Ravens and remains a favorite for the MVP award. While the uncertainty surrounding his recent injury and potential playoff start persists, it’s clear he’s a key player to watch in the upcoming postseason.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you’d like me to focus on a specific aspect of his situation. I’m happy to provide more information!