The Baltimore Ravens prepare for their Thanksgiving night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals riding a five-game winning streak. Lamar Jackson appears on this week’s injury report with yet another ailment. Will fantasy football managers have their quarterback available for the crucial divisional clash?
Lamar Jackson Injury Update
Jackson was listed as DNP on Monday according to the Ravens’ estimated practice report, marking the third consecutive week he’s been unavailable to start the week. This time the culprit is a toe problem, adding to a growing list of minor issues that have kept him off the field for the team’s first practice of the week.
The pattern has become familiar over the past few weeks. Week 11 saw him absent Wednesday with a knee concern. Last week brought an ankle issue that prevented his participation. Each time, Jackson returned to practice Thursday and carried no injury designation into game day.​
Jackson himself indicated he might receive Wednesdays off for the remainder of the season, a common practice for banged-up veterans managing multiple minor ailments. The two-time MVP has been dealing with various aches and pains, evident in his taped-up ankles visible during Sunday’s win over the Jets.​
This week presents a unique wrinkle, however. Baltimore had to begin their preparation Monday rather than the typical Wednesday start, as they play Thursday night. It’s also noteworthy that Jackson is dealing with a completely new issue – the toe – rather than a continuation of previous problems.​
In all likelihood, this represents continued maintenance and veteran load management. But the combination of a fresh ailment and the compressed preparation schedule is at least mildly concerning. Jackson presumably needs those Wednesday rest days every week, yet this week he’s expected to play a full game on just three days’ rest.​
As long as this isn’t anything serious, Jackson will suit up. The Ravens have retaken control of the AFC North with their winning streak and sit in strong playoff position. However, they face a challenging test Thursday against the Bengals with Joe Burrow making his long-awaited return. Baltimore cannot afford to drop any divisional contests, particularly at home.
Jackson’s Fantasy Outlook
Jackson has been struggling recently, failing to resemble his usual elite self. The numbers tell a concerning story: 6.72 fantasy points in Week 11 against Cleveland and 7.22 points in Week 12 versus the Jets. This marked the first time in his career he posted consecutive games with single-digit fantasy scoring.​
In fact, Jackson had never finished with fewer than 10 fantasy points in any game where he didn’t exit early due to injury. The Week 11 performance against the Browns was particularly alarming with 193 passing yards, two interceptions, four rushes for 10 yards, and zero touchdowns. Week 12 brought marginal improvement but still disappointing production with 153 passing yards, seven rushes for 11 yards, and again no touchdowns.​
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Fortunately, the matchup couldn’t be much better for a bounce-back performance. Cincinnati’s defense ranks among the league’s weakest units, and this Ravens-Bengals rivalry has consistently produced high-scoring affairs. The last six meetings between these teams have exceeded the scoring total, with last season’s contests combining for 69 and 79 points.​
As long as Jackson is reasonably healthy, he’s positioned to rebound in a significant way against a vulnerable Bengals defense.
