The Baltimore Ravens fanbase is on pins and needles in anticipation of a much-needed update.
Despite making it into the playoffs after losing three of their last four games, the Ravens will need some sort of spark to have any chance of beating the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend.
Having their star quarterback in the game could certainly be that spark.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said QB Lamar Jackson has been in "great spirits" while being sidelined since Dec. 4.
"He's been working super hard," Harbaugh said. "He wants to play. I love Lamar. I always have and always will."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) January 9, 2023
While we still do not know Lamar Jackson‘s status for their game this weekend, his coach has provided some much-needed updates to his game status, although they are still ambiguous.
Jackson hasn’t played in a game in over a month, and the team has certainly suffered in his absence.
After losing to the Bengals this past week without Jackson, it’s abundantly clear that the team stands a little-to-no chance of beating the Bengals if Jackson is unable to play, as they have been led by backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.
While Huntley is a serviceable backup, nothing compares to the upside that Jackson brings to this team on a game-by-game basis.
The Bengals, in the meantime, are peaking at the right time.
All of their pass-catchers and offensive weapons are healthy, and quarterback Joe Burrow seems poised and ready to make another run to the Super Bowl.
Even if Jackson can play, it will be difficult for the Ravens to overcome such an offensive-minded team.
This could prove to be a defensive battle as well, given that both teams’ defenses are in the top six for points allowed per game this season.
NEXT: NFL Insider Shares Unfortunate Lamar Jackson Update