The Baltimore Ravens’ training camp kicked off with an unexpected setback as reigning MVP Lamar Jackson was sidelined due to illness, casting a shadow over the team’s first full-team practice session.
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Jackson, who had reported for duty on July 15 along with other quarterbacks and injured veterans, now finds himself battling an illness that’s taken precedence over on-field preparations. Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson broke the news on social media, describing Jackson’s condition as “pretty bad.”
Lamar Jackson’s illness today was described to me as “pretty bad,” but we’ll see how long it extends after preventing the #Ravens quarterback from participating in the team’s first training camp practice Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ICSAzI3Ulj
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 21, 2024
With their star quarterback resting, the Ravens have turned to veteran Josh Johnson to lead the first-team reps, supported by rookies Devin Leary and Emory Jones. While this unexpected development has raised some concerns among the Ravens faithful, it’s unlikely to derail the team’s preparations for the 2024-25 season.
Jackson’s health and peak performance remain crucial to the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations. His MVP-caliber 2023 season, saw him rack up impressive stats both through the air and on the ground. More so, even in his absence, head coach John Harbaugh shared how he is focused on helping Jackson become the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
John Harbaugh Reveals GOAT Plans for Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens‘ head coach, John Harbaugh, concluded the team’s first training camp practice with a passionate defense of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Addressing critics who’ve questioned Jackson’s ability to reach the Super Bowl, Harbaugh revealed that his vision for Jackson is nothing short of extraordinary.
In his long answer, he added,
John Harbaugh gave a 2-minute, 43-second response when asked about the criticism of Lamar Jackson.
“The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback ever to play in the history of the NFL.” pic.twitter.com/zRO0T9PgLP
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 21, 2024
Since being drafted last in the first round of 2018, Jackson has redefined the quarterback position. He’s established himself as the best dual-threat player, setting records for quarterback rushing yards in his first six seasons while also showing his talents as a passer with 125 touchdown throws in just 77 starts.
But for Harbaugh, this is just the beginning. He also shared with Jackson his dream of seeing him become the best quarterback in NFL history. By telling the same vision to reporters on Sunday, Harbaugh not only showed his faith in Lamar Jackson’s potential but also sent a clear message about the team’s commitment to their QB.
