NFL Rumors: Adam Schefter provides big update on Lamar Jackson's availability for Ravens' wildcard game
Even with Lamar Jackson missing the previous four games after a sprained knee in a Week 13 win against the Denver Broncos, the Baltimore Ravens have qualified for the playoffs as a wild-card team. The team's offense has been struggling recently, with an average of just 11.9 points since that game because of Jackson's absence.
But the Ravens' fortunes might change right before the elimination games are live. A report from ESPN's Adam Schefter states that Lamar Jackson will be available for the wild-card round when Baltimore starts their playoff campaign.
It was the best possible news for the team, who missed out on the opportunity to win the division with Jackson suffering a knee injury that took longer than expected to stop the swelling, meaning that he missed more games than initially thought. Still, the Ravens are a much more difficult team to beat when Lamar is on the field.
As for who's going to start the final regular season game for the Ravens at quarterback, the situation is unclear. Tyler Huntley was Lamar's backup, but he suffered a wrist injury and has been limited in practice. If he's inactive, the job could be up to undrafted rookie Anthony Brown. Veteran quarterback Brett Hundley was also promoted from the practice squad.
Interested in betting? The Ravens close their season against the Bengals on Sunday
Lamar Jackson's contract: Is he going to be a free agent?
The murky situation regarding Lamar's contract has also played a part in whether or not to play. Considering that he and the Ravens don't have a long-term deal signed yet, there's no reason for him to risk his body and play unless he's 100% or it's a playoff game - this is not the case in Week 18 for either reason.
Jackson and the franchise could not find common ground for a deal during the offseason and he's playing under the fifth-year option. If they fail to reach a deal again, the Ravens will certainly apply the franchise tag on the quarterback, locking him in for another year as they try to find a deal.
You just don't allow franchise quarterbacks to hit the market. The last time that it happened was in 2018, when the Washington Commanders could not find a deal with Kirk Cousins for the third straight season and he signed a fully-guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Even Cousins got a fully-guaranteed deal, so one can only imagine what a player of Lamar's caliber will demand in free agency. And with good reason.