Lamar Jackson's availability up in the air as Ravens star misses seventh straight practice
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson appears to be in a race against time. After suffering a knee injury a few weeks ago against the Denver Broncos, Jackson hasn't been sighted since. Meanwhile, the Ravens, who were leading the AFC North, have now seen Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals overtake them.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Baltimore's main signal-caller has now missed his seventh straight practice. Just how long the star quarterback will be out is unknown. But having not practiced for over a week, the signs aren't looking good for Baltimore heading into a tough three-game stretch.
What are the Ravens' Super Bowl odds?
#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (knee) officially did not participate today -- the seventh consecutive practice he's missed.
RB J.K. Dobbins also didn't practice, but the team says it was a rest day.
With Baltimore facing the Bengals in its final regular-season game, which could be for the division, having their mobile quarterback back could be pivotal for the Ravens.
Without him, it gets decidedly tougher and for some, takes Baltimore out of Super Bowl contention.
Can the Ravens cope without Lamar Jackson?
Since the quarterback's injury, Baltimore is 1-1 and has seen its scoring power quickly diminish. With Jackson under center, the Ravens scored 20 or more points in nine of their 11 games.
In his absence, Baltimore has scored just 19 points in two games. If the Ravens are to go on a deep playoff run, their star quarterback needs to be on the field.
Another interesting thread we can pull at is his contract status. With no new deal in place, could we see him sit out the remainder of the season, including the playoffs?
Having seen Kyler Murray go down with an ACL injury and Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo succumb to season-ending injuries, Jackson might think twice before putting his body on the line without a new deal in place.
While not seeming to be that kind of person, there have been many who have been vocal about the quarterback not playing until he gets his money. It would mean the end of the Ravens' Super Bowl aspirations, but could the quarterback do it?
That remains a possibility.