Do the Ravens have a Lamar Jackson problem?
Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston painted a less-than-rosy picture of the star QB and his effect on the scuffling team on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old remained out of Wednesday’s practice with a back issue, the latest malady in an injury-marred 2025 season — but the problems with the dual-threat quarterback seemingly go deeper.
“The breakdown of an NFL player’s body is natural, but Jackson could help himself. He doesn’t need to be up late at night playing video games or falling asleep in team meetings,” Preston wrote. “He needs to train more around The Castle instead of only attending mandatory minicamps, where he disappears after one day.
“A major problem, a lot of it on the Ravens, is that there are team rules and then there are rules for Jackson. That’s why Baltimore practices in the heat of the afternoon instead of in the morning.”
There isn’t much room for criticism, either.
“Once the Ravens become critical of Jackson, he becomes more withdrawn,” Preston wrote. “It’s a shame because Jackson isn’t a mean-spirited person, just an overgrown kid in an adult’s body.”
It’s gotten so bad with the two-time MVP that coach John Harbaugh is nearing the end of his rope, according to Preston — who suggested exploring the trade market for their star.
“It’s clear that coach John Harbaugh has become tired Jackson, even though he builds him up after every game,” the columnist wrote. “He has to, or Jackson will go into his own self-exile.”
Jackson was named a Pro Bowl alternate this week, despite his rough season. His 192.6 passing yards per game rank 26th in the NFL, while his 28.3 rushing yards per contest mark the lowest in his eight seasons.
The Ravens acknowledged some of his struggles on Tuesday, but didn’t exactly speak to Preston’s reporting.
“When Lamar has the ball in his hands, he’s electric, and so I know it’s been really difficult for him,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “It’s been difficult trying to get himself back and not feeling like he’s playing at the level he’s capable of playing at, but I’ve been pleased with how he’s gone about it and gone about his business.”
The Ravens sit at a disappointing 7-8, second in the AFC North following a nationally televised loss to the Patriots on Sunday, with games against the Packers and Steelers left on the schedule. They’re currently on the outside of the playoffs looking in, with just a 22 percent chance of making the postseason with a win in Green Bay this week.
A healthy, motivated Jackson would at least be a big push in the right direction.
