NFL to investigate Ravens over Lamar Jackson's practice participation
On Friday, it certainly looked like Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was going to return to the field in Week 8. Jackson, who missed the team's last two games, was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday before practicing in full Friday. That seemed to indicate the All-Pro would return in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears.
But that's apparently not what actually happened. On Saturday, the Ravens retroactively downgraded Jackson's Friday practice status from "full" to "limited" and ruled Jackson out against the Bears in Week 8.
The move could cost the team in a major way in the coming weeks. The NFL announced it will investigate the situation after Jackson was given the wrong injury designation Friday.
While Jackson was able to practice Friday, he was limited to scout team reps. He did not take any reps with the team's starters. The NFL has very clear rules about that exact scenario, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley.
"A player who participates in individual drills, but for medical reasons doesn't take his normal repetitions during the team portion of practice and is assigned to the scout team should be listed as 'limited participation.' Participation on the scout team, no matter how extensive, by a player whose normal repetitions would be with the starters but for his medical condition, would not alter the player's proper designation as 'limited participation"
Because of that, Jackson should have always been listed as "limited" on Friday's injury report. When the Ravens retroactively changed his status Saturday, that prompted an NFL investigation. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed as much to ESPN, saying, "The league will look into this. The league reviews any matter involving a change to a player's status."
Jackson will miss his third game due to a hamstring injury. Jackson sustained the injury during the team's Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed the team's next two games and had a full bye week to recover from the injury. Despite practicing in a limited fashion all week, Jackson will miss Week 8.
The Ravens desperately need Jackson back under center. The team was already scuffling with Jackson, going 1-3 in his four starts. The Ravens have gone 0-2 since losing Jackson, dropping them to 1-5. While the playoffs aren't out of the picture, further losses would devastate the team's hopes. If the team is going to make a surprising run to the postseason, it needs Jackson to get back on the field quickly.
Despite the Week 8 kerfuffle, it appears Jackson is close to a return. If the Ravens can manage a win against the Bears in Week 8, Jackson could return to a 2-5 Ravens team that still could make a run.
Even if the Ravens manage a comeback, Jackson's absence will carry a cost. The NFL won't look kindly on them mislabeling Jackson on the injury report, especially considering its rules on the topic are extremely clear.