There was never a doubt that Lamar Jackson was going to play on Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens host the Denver Broncos, says the reigning NFL MVP.
On Wednesday, the Ravens released their injury list, showing that the quarterback is dealing with a back and knee injury. Therefore, he did not practice for the past two days.
When asked if getting banged up during their 29-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns caused him to sit out, Jackson insisted that he was simply giving his body time to recover.
‘We got a lot of games in the next couple [of] weeks, so just trying to get my body right,’ Jackson said in a media scrum. ‘Keep it fresh.’
When another reporter asked if his absence derailed any game plan or progress, Jackson replied. ‘No, not at all.’
Later on Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jackson had been taken out of injury list – further solidifying his status for Sunday.
Before losing to Cleveland, the Ravens strung five straight wins after dropping their first two games this season.
At 5-3, Baltimore sits 2nd in the AFC North behind the Steelers. Meanwhile, the Bengals and Browns are third and fourth, respectively.
Jackson has been efficient so far this season, completing 158 of 236 passes for 2,099 yards. He has also thrown at least one touchdown in each game for 17 in eight games.
Furthermore, he has only thrown two interceptions and been sacked 12 times.
On the other hand, the Broncos are also 53, sitting second in the AFC West. Denver are heading into Sunday’s game behind lopsided wins over New Orleans and Carolina.
