Lamar Jackson’s status for Sunday’s AFC Wild Card matchup with the Bengals had been in doubt for much of the week as the Ravens quarterback had yet to return to practice. On Thursday, Jackson offered some clarity on his progress, and it wasn’t what Ravens fans had hoped to hear.
Jackson, who has been out since Week 13 after suffering a PCL sprain, took to Twitter on Thursday to share that his knee hasn’t progressed enough to suit up for Sunday’s game. According to Jackson, his Grade 2 sprain was close to a Grade 3 (a complete separation), and his knee remains unstable with just a few days until that playoff matchup.
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. 💜💜
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 12, 2023
The injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time for the Ravens. Jackson went into the season without reaching a new longterm deal, and it’s far from certain that Jackson suits up for the Ravens again should they lose in the postseason. But with a Grade 2/3 sprain, it’s clear Jackson’s absence has nothing to do with his contract situation — it’s a significant injury. And it’s unlikely he’d return at all this postseason.
His backup Tyler Huntley was a limited participant in practice and back throwing after his own shoulder injury.
NFL fans had plenty of thoughts on the news from Jackson.
This was how Twitter reacted
Just a reminder that a Grade 2 PCL sprain is at least a partial tear of the ligament in the back of your knee that connects your thigh bone to the lower leg bones. A Grade 3 is a complete tear. I think people hear the word "sprain" and might not realize how severe the injury is. https://t.co/oJG1dyKfV4
— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) January 12, 2023
This transparency is what we all needed.
Prayers up for a full recovery LJ🙌🏻🙏🏼 https://t.co/n1bCtuGvRg
— ⚡️Garrett Ferguson⚡️ (@GarrettSprints) January 12, 2023
A grade-2 sprain (potentially half a tear) is more significant than first thought, which would help to explain why he's not ready yet. https://t.co/rpAucg4pfC
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 12, 2023
BuT Is hE SiTtInG oUt fOr hIs ConTrAcT!? https://t.co/uFipEMRvmU pic.twitter.com/xELrkxO2zn
— Stuart – Shock (@Stuart_Shock) January 12, 2023
This tweet pretty much rules him out for Sunday https://t.co/4pRQmN4Efx
— Beal’s Headband (@BealsHeadband) January 12, 2023
Very shady by Baltimore to put out a initial recovery timeline of 1-3 weeks !
Big difference between a grade 1 & severe grade 2 strain on both imaging & clinical testing
Given his contract situation, did they set him up for failure to turn the fans against him 🤔 #RavensFlock https://t.co/OH86catvLR
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, PT, CSCS, TSAC-F (@SGPNFootballDoc) January 12, 2023
Plenty of time to heal up for #Jets vs Texans in week 1 next year https://t.co/zxJjoogaGE
— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) January 12, 2023
Rare confirmation from the player himself.
Unfortunately a grade 2-3 PCL means Lamar is done for the season.
His knee simply won’t be able to ‘restabilize’ fast enough.
These are frustrating injuries, especially for players who run.
Best of luck in your rehab. https://t.co/zjajyq8Uda
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) January 12, 2023
Get better champ. https://t.co/nqYwcEceiQ
— Static (@static20852) January 12, 2023
