Lamar Jackson has dealt with a variety of injuries this season, the latest being a painful back contusion suffered during Sunday night's loss to the New England Patriots.
Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken empathizes with what Jackson has dealt with, as the two-time MVP has also had hamstring, knee, and ankle issues. Jackson did not participate in Tuesday's walk-through, marking the seventh straight week he has missed at least one practice.
"Man, has it been hard on him," Monken said. "I'm just telling you. For a guy that loves to play football and loves to be out there with his teammates, it's been hard. It's been a struggle. Because, like any player, to be able to shine, you want to feel your best. Especially with lower-body injuries. When Lamar has the ball in his hands, he's electric. So I know it's been really difficult for him."
Jackson had a strong start to the Patriots game and was moving well until he was kneed in the back, forcing him to leave the game just before halftime. Monken admires the way Jackson continues to fight through setbacks.
"It's been difficult trying to get himself back and not feeling like he's playing at the level he's capable of playing at," Monken said. "But I've been pleased with how he's gone about it and gone about his business. I know he's going fight to get back out there this week. We'll see how the week goes."
Ravens Prepare to Face Either Jordan Love or Malik Willis
The Packers are also dealing with injuries at quarterback. Starter Jordan Love (concussion) and backup Malik Willis (shoulder) were limited on Tuesday, so the Ravens are preparing for both quarterbacks.
Their skillsets aren't the same, but the Ravens feel they can adjust, even facing a shorter week before a Saturday night game. Baltimore has recent tape on Willis, who stepped in for Love against the Chicago Bears in Week 16 after he was injured.
"Malik Willis has been there for a year or two now, and he's actually started games for them," Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr said. "[Against Chicago], the offense didn't change. They were still running play action, taking their shots down the field.
"The offense is well-built. They got talented players all over the field at the receiver position, tight end position, running back position. The way they were calling the game, they felt comfortable with Malik running their offense. There won't be a big difference preparation-wise."
Ravens Adjusting to Not Controlling Their Destiny
Orr said he was pleased with how players were approaching the week so far, after the tough loss to New England cost the Ravens control of their playoff destiny.
The Ravens can only stay alive through the weekend if they win Saturday night and the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. However, Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum said the Ravens' focus will remain on handling their business against Green Bay.
"Just like any other week, it's a must-win game," Linderbaum said. "Our focus is on Saturday night and nothing else, trying to get a win.
"It creeps in, you're hoping the Browns win. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you don't get the job done on Saturday night. Our job is to get as prepared as possible to play a really good team at Lambeau [Field] – a tough place to play – and leave there with a win."
After their 1-5 start, the Ravens are still alive with just two games left, which is something Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton doesn't take for granted. Losing to the Patriots was tough, but Hamilton said the team has refocused.
"It's not happy-go-lucky, but we put the loss behind us," Hamilton said. "We still have an opportunity. Really, we're fortunate to still have an opportunity. We put ourselves in a pretty tough position. We've got to take advantage of the opportunity and at least give ourselves a chance."
DK Metcalf's Two-Game Suspension Upheld
The Ravens need the Browns' help to win the AFC North, and Cleveland's chances of beating the Steelers improved Tuesday as the NFL upheld its decision to suspend wide receiver DK Metcalf for two games after he grabbed a fan in Detroit.
It also means that Metcalf will be out for the Ravens-Steelers regular-season finale, which could be for the division crown.
Metcalf leads the Steelers with 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He had seven grabs for 148 yards against the Ravens earlier this season.
Devontez Walker Excels on Special Teams
Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker recorded the first sack and forced fumble of his career, punching the ball away from Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu on a fake punt attempt Saturday night. It marks just the second time since at least 2020 that an NFL wideout has recorded a sack.
It was another example of the impact that Walker is having on special teams. Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton appreciates Walker's growth since his rookie season in 2024.
"Just from last year, I think about where he was and how he was trying to establish himself, get himself on the field," Horton said. "He's always had the speed and that's one of the things we look for. Then he started to show the physicality that we wanted him to play with.
He fills a very good role for a place where we need those guys. Part of that is [Assistant Special Teams Coach] Anthony Levine coming back and doing such an unbelievable job with those gunners on the outside. They're winning with speed, and Tez has that. He's a smart football player. He blocks, on kickoff returns, he covers kicks. He's a guy that's paying attention to details and just wants to be good."
