Pressure mounts for NFL to punish Ravens over Lamar Jackson decision

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh offered an update on star quarterback Lamar Jackson on Friday, revealing the quarterback was a “full participant” in practice after missing time with a hamstring injury.

He remained vague on whether or not Jackson could play in Sunday’s Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears, however.

“I just think we’re going to talk about it as we go and figure out what we got to do to try to win the game,” Harbaugh said. “I mean, that’s really what we’re going to try to do. What’s our best opportunity to win the football game on Sunday? Where does everybody stand? Including No. 8 [Jackson].”

After initially listing Jackson as a full participant, the Ravens announced a change in his practice status – a day later.

“There has been an update to Lamar Jackson’s Friday practice and game status. Jackson was downgraded from a full practice participant to limited, and he has been ruled out for tomorrow’s game vs. Chicago,” the Ravens announced on X.

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The team’s change sparked a number of NFL reporters to openly question if the league should investigate the Ravens’ manipulation of the injury report.

“I think the NFL has to fine the Ravens here. You can’t change your Star QB’s practice participation a day later from full to limited. It impacts a lot of things: – How the opponent prepares – Sports bettors – Fantasy football I would expect the league to review this situation,” NFL reporter Harrison Graham said.

He wasn’t alone in wondering what the Ravens were doing. Noted NFL insider Mike Florio also openly questioned the Ravens’ decision.

“There’s plenty of digging to be done as to what actually happened, and as to how much he did or didn’t practice on Friday. Needless to say, it’s the worst possible thing that could have happened for the NFL — at the worst possible time,” he said in a column this afternoon.

“And here’s the real question. Who knew before today that Lamar wouldn’t be playing? The Ravens put Tyler Huntley at the podium this week, and Lamar didn’t speak to reporters. In hindsight, the breadcrumbs were there that Lamar, even if in uniform, possibly wouldn’t be starting.”

Chicago Bears beat writer Jason Lieser also posited the league would take a look into the Ravens’ decision.

“Listing ‘full’ instead of ‘limited’ for a starting QB, especially one of Lamar Jackson’s stature, on the practice report is not an accident. NFL has to look into this,” Lieser said.

It’s possible if the league looks into the matter and finds the Ravens guilty of manipulating the injury report for Jackson, it’s possible the team could face a fine, a loss of draft pick, or both.

With Jackson out of the starting lineup, the Ravens are turning the keys to the offense over to Tyler Huntley, who takes over the starting role from Cooper Rush.

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