Ravens Get Concerning News on 2-Time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens seem to be dropping players at an exponential rate due to injuries — the very latest of which would undoubtedly be the worst.
The Ravens were forced to replace 2-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson after he injured a hamstring down big in the second half of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 in which Jackson had already committed 2 turnovers.
Jackson exited the game with the Ravens down 30-13 late in the third quarter and on a day in which both he and his team looked almost completely lost following a touchdown on the opening drive. The Ravens lost to the Chiefs, 37-20, to drop to 1-3 on the season.
The Ravens replaced Jackson with backup Cooper Rush, who signed a 2-year, $6.2 million contract with Baltimore on March 16.
Jackson was 14-of-20 passing for 147 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception to go with 6 carries for 48 yards and 1 lost fumble.
“Even if Lamar is just out for a few games, it’s hard to see them going anywhere without him,” CBS color commentator and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo said during the broadcast. “Especially with the way he plays and with a hamstring injury.”
Social Media Reacts to Jackson’s Injury
Jackson’s injury — and his struggles playing the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium — were front and center after he left the game with his injury and punctuated it by throwing his helmet.
Jackson is now 0-4 in his career against the Chiefs at Arrowhead.
“Lamar Jackson left today’s game with a hamstring injury,” Dr. Evan Jeffries wrote on his official X account. “MRI will determine severity and timeline. Grade I: 1-2 weeks, Grade II: 3-6 weeks.”
“Friendly reminder that Lamar Jackson has never won in Arrowhead,” Chiefs superfan Jay wrote on X.
“Lamar Jackson injured his Hamstring, came over to the bench and threw his helmet,” SM Highlights wrote on its official X account. “ Looks like his day is over.”
“Put (Jackson) on an average nfl roster and he doesn’t win 8 games,” X user IYKYK wrote on their official account.
There were even some who questioned whether Jackson had quit on his team.
“It is absolutely WILD to me that there are members of #RavensFlock questioning if Lamar Jackson quit on his team and the validity of his hamstring injury,” Greg Cover 1 wrote on his official X account. “Genuinely shocking to see the best player in franchise history questioned by his own fans.”
Jackson Has Dealt With Injuries in Past
Part of Jackson becoming the NFL’s greatest rushing quarterback of all time has been doing so has exposed him to quite a few more injuries than your average quarterback.
In 2021, Jackson missed 5 games due to injuries, including the last 4 due to a sprained ankle. In 2022, he missed the final 5 regular season games plus the playoffs with a sprained knee — a PCL strain that’s the same injury Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has missed the last 2 games because of.
Heavy.com’s Jonathan Adams posted a video of Jackson with a heavy limp as he left the sideline following the game.
Packers’ Late-Game Collapse Raises Super Bowl Questions: Is LaFleur to Blame?
Packers’ Bizarre Tie Raises Serious Questions About Their Super Bowl Hopes
Green Bay Packers’ performance in their 40-40 tie against the Dallas Cowboys left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. What should have been a chance to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns turned into another head-scratcher for the Packers.
The game ended with the Packers taking a conservative approach in overtime, choosing to run out the clock rather than aggressively drive for the win. With just one second left on the clock, Jordan Love’s final pass was incomplete, saving Green Bay from a second consecutive loss but leaving them with more questions than answers.
Many experts have raised concerns about head coach Matt LaFleur's decisions, particularly his reluctance to trust Love in a critical moment. LaFleur’s play-calling at the end of the game, focused on draining the clock, was met with widespread criticism. As NFL analyst Benjamin Solak put it, “Playing for the tie is poor. They should have gone for the win.”
Former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert did not hold back, saying, “Handcuffing your $55 million QB in overtime was a choice. Especially after he’s gotten you 37 points.” It was clear that many felt Love had proven himself capable of taking charge, but LaFleur’s conservative tactics hindered his chances.
On the defensive side, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit showed cracks. After being one of the league’s top-ranked defenses, they struggled against Dallas, allowing critical plays and failing to close out the game. Their inability to get the job done when it mattered most has raised doubts about whether the Packers have the defense to compete in the playoffs.
Despite Love’s strong individual performance, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, the Packers’ inability to seal the win has caused widespread concern. With a tie on the record, it feels like a missed opportunity for Green Bay to assert themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. As they look ahead, LaFleur and his team will need to address these critical issues if they want to keep their championship hopes alive.
