Preseason football is finally here, but if you’re hoping to see Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suit up against the Indianapolis Colts this Thursday, you’ll have to keep waiting. The two-time MVPÂ won’t take a single snap in the preseason opener, and there’s a clear method behind this decision.
Why Won’t Lamar Jackson Play Against the Colts?
Head coach John Harbaugh has officially confirmed that Jackson will not play in the Ravens’ preseason opener. This isn’t about injury concerns or performance issues. It’s pure strategy: keeping their franchise quarterback healthy and fresh for games that actually count.
The Ravens have followed this playbook consistently. Jackson hasn’t appeared in a preseason game since the exhibition finale against Washington in 2021. That’s nearly four years of August football without their star quarterback taking meaningful snaps.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will not play in Thursday’s preseason game against the Colts, so he used today as a preseason game. Said it was a good measuring stick to see where the team is and these joint practices are good.
“We get to see different looks.” pic.twitter.com/pgKvlrxLMp
— Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) August 5, 2025
Instead, Harbaugh and his staff prioritize practice reps over game action. Jackson gets his work done behind closed doors, fine-tuning his mechanics and building chemistry with receivers without the unnecessary risks that come with live game action.
The approach has delivered results. Since his last preseason appearance, Jackson has captured two league MVP awards and established himself as one of the most electric players in the NFL. While that elusive Super Bowl ring remains out of reach, few would question Baltimore’s cautious philosophy.
What Does This Mean for the Ravens’ Championship Hopes?
For Jackson, sitting out preseason games isn’t about avoiding competition or shaking off rust. He’s proven time and again that he can hit the ground running when Week 1 arrives. The calculation is simple: there’s far more to lose than gain by playing in meaningless August contests.
Baltimore understands the stakes in today’s ultra-competitive AFC. One freak injury in a throwaway preseason game could torpedo their entire championship window. With elite quarterbacks and playoff-hungry teams throughout the conference, the Ravens can’t afford to gamble with their most important player.
This Thursday’s spotlight will shift to backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and rookie Devin Leary, who’ll get their opportunity to showcase their abilities. For Jackson, he’ll be back under center when it truly matters, and Baltimore remains comfortable with that approach.
The Ravens are playing the long game, prioritizing September success over August entertainment. Jackson will be ready when the 2025-26 season kicks off, and that’s all that matters in Baltimore.
