Jaguars will need to prepare for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson after all

More often than not, injury reports are uneventful but every now and then, they contain a few revealing nuggets. Quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t practice Wednesday and popped up on the Baltimore Ravens’ injury report with a hip injury. This led to chatter about him potentially missing their Week 12 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Jackson is back in practice and will be ready for Sunday’s matchup.

Keep in mind that there was no question Jackson would suit up against the Jaguars. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told the media that the team held him back as a precautionary measure after having an issue in last week’s game.

Having said that, several Ravens landed on Thursday’s Injury Report. Cornerback Jayln Armour-Davis (hip), offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), safety Ken Hamlin (knee) and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (hip) didn’t not practice. Right guard Kevin Zeitler and running back Gus Edwards appeared on the list Wednesday but just like Jackson, they were both full participants Thursday.

On the other hand, the Jaguars are coming off their Bye Week and haven’t listed any players on their Injury Report ahead of Sunday’s game.

The Jaguars need to be at full strength to stop Lamar Jackson in Week 12

Lamar Jackson has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league this season and he’s the Ravens’ rushing leader with 666 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns. Head coach Doug Pederson met with the local media Wednesday and said that the NFL’s 2019 MVP will present a tough challenge for the Jags’ defense.

“You just hope to slow him down”, Pederson said. I have gone against him before and he definitely can beat you both running and throwing and just got to be committed to the discipline of your job. It just comes down to that and you’ve got to win your matchups”.

“On defense, you can’t let your eyes wander. You’ve got to be disciplined there and just like I said, just hope to contain him. He’s gonna make his plays, he’s that good. But when you get a chance to tackle him, you’ve got to make sure you wrap him up because he’s strong to get out of that too”, Pederson said.

The Jaguars are 3-7 and would need to beat the Ravens to keep their playoff hopes alive. For that to happen, they will need to keep Lamar Jackson in check, which is easier said than done.