Lamar Jackson is undeniably the cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens’ aspirations for the 2024 season. As the reigning NFL MVP, Jackson’s incredible versatility and dynamic playmaking ability make him one of the most valuable quarterbacks in the league. With six seasons under his belt, Jackson has already achieved remarkable milestones, including two seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and two with over 3,000 passing yards.
Last year was particularly impressive, as he set career-highs in passing yards and completions, leading the Ravens to a 13-3 record as the starting quarterback.
Given his importance to the team, losing Jackson to injury would be a devastating blow to Baltimore’s postseason hopes. The team’s backup options—Devin Leary, Josh Johnson, and Emory Jones—are serviceable, but none can match the impact that Jackson has on the field.
Ravens fans were reminded just how fragile their season could be when Jackson had a close call while biking to practice on Thursday. As Jackson made his way to the practice field on a bicycle, a crowd of fans eagerly gathered around him, excited to catch a glimpse of their star quarterback. Always the fan favorite, Jackson tried to engage with the crowd, reaching out to give high fives as he pedaled through.
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However, this friendly gesture nearly turned disastrous. In the midst of high-fiving fans, Jackson lost his balance and almost took a spill, sending a wave of panic through those watching. Fortunately, he managed to catch himself just in time, avoiding what could have been a serious injury.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions to the near-miss, with fans expressing both relief and concern. “I appreciate the high fives but please don’t shatter your ankle,” one fan joked. Another commented, “$100M broken foot,” highlighting just how valuable Jackson is to the Ravens. One more added, “I can see it now – Lamar Jackson out 4-6 weeks ?,” capturing the collective fear of Ravens fans at the thought of losing their MVP.
While it might seem far-fetched to think that a simple bike ride could lead to an injury that derails a season, crazier things have happened in sports. This incident underscores the importance of keeping Jackson healthy, especially after he missed significant time in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to injuries.
To minimize any risk, the Ravens might want to consider more secure transportation options for their star quarterback as they prepare for the regular season opener. A golf cart escort or even a set of training wheels might seem extreme, but anything that keeps Jackson safe and on the field is worth considering.
As of now, Jackson has not played in the preseason, and it’s unlikely that he’ll see action in Baltimore’s final exhibition game this weekend. The decision to rest him is a clear effort to ensure that he stays healthy and ready for the upcoming season. After all, the Ravens’ success in 2024 hinges on Jackson’s ability to lead the team, and they can’t afford any unnecessary risks before the games start to count.
