Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson has proved himself to be one of the most durable quarterbacks in the field. However, what seems more concerning for the Ravens is his persistent battle against illness. As the quarterback has repeatedly missed six days of practice so far this season and only two of those absences were injury-related.
Lamar has again gone under the weather as he has missed two straight practice sessions with the squad and with that, his illness seems to be a drawback for the otherwise durable athlete of the NFL. As during his four-year career with the Ravens, Lamar has taken 668 hits (115 more than any other quarterback) yet has missed only two games.
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Baltimore Ravens star out for two days
However, when asked about Lamar Jackson’s illness status on Wednesday, head coach John Harbaugh said that Jackson’s illness is not COVID-related. The 6-3 Ravens have secured the top spot of AFC North and they are looking forward to facing the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
“I don’t really think it’s that big of a deal,” Ravens center Bradley Bozeman said of Jackson’s absences. “I know Lamar is doing his things at home that he needs to do. He’s watching plays. He’s getting everything right at home. When he comes back in, he’s not going to miss a step. week in and week out, he’s continued to build on that and step up to the plate when he needs to. I don’t see that being an issue.”
Lamar Jackson has returned to practice. He missed last two days with an illness. pic.twitter.com/SziXN2cUTR
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 19, 2021
Lamar Jackson will play against the Chicago Bears
Lamar Jackson was, however, seen back in the Ravens practice after missing two days, indicating his full presence on Sunday against the Bears. And following his return, he revealed his recent tidbits in a press conference. “I’m way better than I was a couple days ago,” Jackson said. “I’m feeling great, feeling great. I probably had like a cold or something. I’m good now though.”
“I used to eat my Flintstone vitamins when I was a kid,” Jackson further added, on the status of his immunity. “My immunity system should be good.” Furthermore, on being asked about his preparation ahead of the Week 11 matchup, he said.
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Lamar Jackson has missed four practices this year because of illness but he said he doesn’t usually get sick.
“I used to eat my Flintstone vitamins when I was a kid,” Jackson said. “My immunity system should be good." pic.twitter.com/5UBDSPd6P8
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 19, 2021
“I definitely feel less prepared, because I want to be out there with my guys, know I’m behind, because those guys, they’re still on the field, doing what they’re supposed to do, getting better each and every day. So, I’m probably like two percent behind them right now. I’ve got to catch up. It’ll be good though, because I’ve got a great group of guys working with me.”
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Although it is positive news to see the quarterback return to the field, but his repeated illnesses provide suspicion on his health and on his longevity as a great QB that he is.
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